At 16 I started on my journey to become a hairdresser through an apprenticeship programme. The sector is creative and I loved to talk even back then so ideal for me. After completing my level 3 I went into become an advanced colourist working at L'oreal as well as setting up my own business, which I ran for 10 years. After being diagnosed with a joint condition I went onto to complete my assessors and later a Teaching qualification. I truly had the Education bug- I am passionate about vocational training and the career pathways they can bring to life whether you are academic or not.

Hi, I'm Heather and I currently teach on the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course here at Weston College. After training for 2 years at College in Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy, I worked in a Spa as a Beauty Therapist for 15 years where I gained further experience in many different product brands and their specialised treatments. After the 15 years at the Spa, I took my next steps into teaching what I love doing to others! I still continue to practice beauty treatments on my family and friends to keep my skills fresh!

I wanted a career where I could make people feel positive about themselves and help them find mindfulness. In Year 10, I utilised work experience opportunities to help me decide, working in a hair salon the first week just didn't fit my personality and for the second week I worked in a beauty salon, and it was here that I felt inspired and really enjoyed the calmness of the salon. Work experience encouraged me to apply for a beauty therapy course.

Hi, i'm Vicky! I work at the Reception in the Hair and Beauty department at Weston College.

When i was 16 I did a Hair and Beauty at College and progressed onto a Make-up course. Since then, I have worked in salons, on film sets, for photographers and on makeup counters. 

What I enjoy the most about working at the College is passing on my industry knowledge to the students. 

My advice to all students would be make the most of industry placements and take in everything you learn, the tutors are amazing and have so much industry knowledge and advice.

My career in Beauty Therapy has spanned over the last 18 years, I started as a beauty therapist and my reputation as a knowledgeable therapist are well respected, something I am immensely proud of, as I am conscientious of keeping up to date with current beauty trends and adapting to the evolving changes that has enabled me to become a successful therapist in Bristol and overseas. 

Before I relocated to Weston-Super-Mare 10 years ago, I was an Assessor and Employer within Hairdressing. Then my journey with Weston college started when I joined the Apprenticeship Team in our now South West Skills Campus as a Business Development & Employer Engagement Officer whilst working as an Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) in Hairdressing.