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.

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.

I have worked at Weston College for 12 years and I love my job as much as I did when I first started. I could not imagine working anywhere other than the Hair and Beauty department at the College! I love passing my skills and knowledge onto the next generations of Hairstylists and Barbers.

I have many years of industry experience within Hair and Barbering and I continue to work with clients when not lecturing at the College.

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.

Hi my name is Santa, I'm a Lecturer in Hairdressing. I have been working within the industry for 14 years now, starting in London, moving to Bristol and now being a part of the Weston College team! 

I have been fortunate enough to participate in Hair and Makeup competitions to showcase my passion for Avant Garde Hair and Hair Colouring. 

When challenges arose it motivated me to strive and showcase the best I can. Being able to give my passion to the new generation of aspiring stylists is my goal.

Previous School: Worle Community School

Course Studied: Hair, Makeup, Prosthetics and ProductionBA Hons degree

"At Weston College you get to experience meeting lots of new people, this has helped me gain skills in client care which will allow me to gain future employment.

My advice to any students that are thinking about a course at Weston College is to always do a course that you want to do! You only have one life and you deserve to live it the way you want to - especially when it comes to education.

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.

"The Barbering Study Programme Was Great And Has Prepared Me Both Practically And Mentally To Go Out Into The Industry And Gain Employment As A Qualified Barber.”

Where are they now? Daniel is now on theLevel 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing and working in a Barbershop running his own chair.

I have been a hairdressing Lecturer at Weston College for four years, I have a passion for hairdressing and specialise in advanced colour and cutting. I have been hairdressing for 18 years and trained at Toni and Guy in Bristol and London. I worked there for 8 year before going on to a management role at another hairdressing salon. I still work within the industry alongside my role at the College. 

"Level 3 Beauty Therapy Tech Qual has been an amazing, intensive course full of opportunity, I truly believe I can now go on to be the best therapist I can be thanks to Weston College- I aspire to become a Senior Spa Therapist eventually moving my way onto lecturing young people like myself in what I am most passionate about."

Former school:Worle

What next?Progressing to Elements Spa Boutique