There is no set end goal for JGW+ learners but many go on to undertake further apprenticeships and gain more advanced skills in their chosen profession.

One learner who began his journey with a Level 1 course in Hairdressing and Barbering and is now finding his feet at a salon placement, while completing his Level 2 apprenticeship in Hairdressing, is 19-year-old Talek Milne.

Talek found his passion for hairstyling during lockdown, watching videos online, although he had always been interested in the creative side of the profession as well as the ability to make customers happy.

Throughout his journey Talek has had to overcome one of the biggest hurdles many young learners have to face in the beginning – confidence. It is something that has improved massively throughout his course, particularly when it comes to his shyness. Talek believes this improvement is due to the natural environment of the role and having to speak to people – after all hairdressing is probably one of the most social careers out there.

Another boost to Talek’s confidence has come through fortnightly workshops provided by Â鶹ֱ²¥. The workshops give apprenticeship learners the chance to work alongside tutors to hone their skills in a more practical setting. It is a great space to ask questions, practice new methods and receive validation for the skills they have already gained.

Progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 has meant added responsibilities for Talek, especially now that he has been given a placement in a salon. Looking to the future, he is keen to broaden his colour skills, particularly when it comes to applying bold shades and designs.

Hairdressing assessor Helen Jenkins, who has overseen Talek’s progress, said: “Talek’s confidence has come on so much since he started – from hiding in the back room and not giving me eye contact to now being at the front of the salon. He’s really come out of his shell.

“To support Talek we ensured he had the right tools – something as simple as left-handed scissors made all the difference.ÌýAnd now that he’s armed with that there’s no stopping him. He has come on leaps and bounds and I’m very proud of him.â€�

Find out more about Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s hairdressing qualification here.

Hairdressing offers many transferable skills and is consistently ranked as one of the happiest and most satisfying careers in the world.Ìý

If you are looking to begin your journey in the sector but don’t know where to start, Jobs Growth Wales + offers the perfect course.Ìý

Training provider Â鶹ֱ²¥’s Level 1 Hairdressing and Barbering qualification is delivered within a salon setting and offers a variety of skills including basic techniques, assistance with colouring, and how to create the perfect up-do. Learners benefit from hands-on experience, working full time in a placement which then leads to an apprenticeship.Ìý

One learner who is benefitting from the support offered and skills learned from the programme is Darla Wathen from Cardiff.Ìý

Darla always had an interest in hair and found the qualification a great way to learn the skills she needs to progress in the industry, as well as build confidence in a salon setting.Ìý

Her placement is at local salon, Henderson & Co. She also receives support from Â鶹ֱ²¥ tutor Charlotte Sims.Ìý

Darla said: “My favourite thing about the placement is that it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work at all – it’s like going back to my second family. I also love the advice different stylists give. Every day I learn and grow.â€�Ìý

As well as skills and techniques, Darla has also seen a great improvement in her confidence.Ìý

She added: “The support I’ve had from my tutors at Â鶹ֱ²¥ has been absolutely amazing. I came to Â鶹ֱ²¥ thinking I wouldn’t do anything with my life, but Charlotte helped me and made me believe in myself.Ìý

“I was a very anxious individual and was so nervous to go to interviews, but Charlotte made me be the best version of myself. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am now.â€�Ìý

Darla is now looking ahead to becoming a fully qualified hairdresser and wants to continue sharing her love of hair with clients.Ìý

Tutor Charlotte Sims said: “Darla started at Â鶹ֱ²¥ on the JGW+ programme with a lot of potential but not much confidence in herself. Darla had a few issues settling in, but once she became familiar with the centre and the staff she showed herself to be an excellent learner.Ìý

“Darla has always given 100% effort in any tasks we ask her to take part in, and we knew she would be an asset to the right salon, as she was clearly a natural hairdresser from day one.Ìý

“We found Henderson & Co and after speaking to salon owner Kellie we knew Darla would be given an incredible opportunity by attending a placement there.Ìý

“The salon has taken her under its wing, supported her through all her training and really value her contribution to the business.ÌýÌý

“Darla is progressing through her Level 1 NVQ fantastically, and all staff are so proud of her and pleased with how far she has come.ÌýÌý

“Darla has an excellent future ahead of her and we couldn’t be more excited for her.â€�Ìý

Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s Mary Foley, who has worked with Darla as her course assessor, added: “When Darla started on programme she had a few barriers to overcome and had previously been let down by the education sector. Once she became familiar with the routine and staff at Â鶹ֱ²¥ she began to come out of her shell and showed she had great potential.ÌýÌýÌý

“Darla was apprehensive to start in a salon placement as it was another step out of her comfort zone but that was the best thing she did as she has excelled since. Darla has demonstrated through determination, hard work and passion for the hair industry that these barriers are able to be overcome, this has also shown with the progress she has made with her NVQL1 Hairdressing qualification as she has completed it in six months!ÌýÌýÌý

“Darla has been offered a Level 2 hairdressing apprenticeship at Henderson & Co. I’m so proud of Darla and all she has achieved with Â鶹ֱ²¥, she is a wonderful asset to the salon and has a great career ahead of her.â€�Ìý

If you are 16 to 19 years old and would like help finding your dream career, you can sign up to Jobs Growth Wales + any time here.Ìý

Crazy Cuts is a salon based in the heart of Tirphil that welcomes all individuals. Their talented team of stylists work closely with clients to ensure everyone’s hair dreams come true.

A career in the Hairdressing and Barbering sector is really rewarding. It feels so good to be able to use your creative flair to make clients feel happy and confident every day. Our Jobs Growth Wales+ programme provides the essential hands-on experience that’s needed to master hairdressing skills and barbering techniques.

Our Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing will enable learners to launch and develop their careers as hairdressers, barbers, wigmakers, and salon managers.

Our Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing enables learners to launch and develop their careers as hairdressers, barbers, wigmakers and salon managers.

There’s much more to the job ofÌýHairdresser than knowing the latest trends for bobs, bangs and blowouts. ThoughÌýa keen sense of styleÌýobviously helps, otherÌýqualities are justÌýasÌýimportant!ÌýÌýÌý

Ìý

Are you a natural listener who works well with their hands? Can you be thorough and pay attention to detail?ÌýCan you demonstrate fab customer skills and provide service with a smile?ÌýAre you someone who keeps their cool in stressful situations?ÌýIf this sounds like you,Ìýthen youÌýalreadyÌýhave the core skill set needed,Ìýfor a life of customers, curlers and colouring!ÌýÌý

Ìý

A Hairdresser must be personable and friendly, as the customer must trust you at all stages of the process. At Â鶹ֱ²¥,Ìýthere’s a fully-equippedÌýTraineeshipÌýSalon for budding Barbers and HairdressersÌýto learn a wide range of skills, all under the watchful eye of our industry-experienced tutors.ÌýÌý

Ìý

Once you’ve got to grips with the basics,Ìýyou can progress onto anÌýApprenticeship in aÌýprofessional salon,ÌýwhereÌýyou’ll learn the essentials of the hair-styling gameÌýand how they can be developed, with your own personal flair!ÌýCourse unitsÌýinclude:ÌýStyle and finish, Set and dress hair, Plait and twist hair, Colour and lighten hair,Ìýplus,ÌýTemporarily attach hair to enhance a style.

Further modules,Ìýlike Advise and consult with clients, Fulfil salon reception duties or Develop and maintain your effectiveness at work, will help make you a fully-rounded asset to any hairdressing business!Ìý

Ìý

Â鶹ֱ²¥ Training values the experience of learning – that’s engaging and captivating – and encourages all to aspire to reach their goals. Suitable candidates even get the chance to participate in top competitions and shows, such as Salon Cymru, the Eisteddfod and Hair & Beauty Wales.ÌýÌý
Ìý

It might take time for youÌýtoÌýbecome the next Nicky Clarke or Vidal Sassoon, but the journey startsÌýhereÌýand you could be making waves before you know it!

If you’re aged 16-18,Ìýtake a look at our Hairdressing & Barbering TraineeshipÌýprogramme.Ìý

If you feel that you’re salon ready, see our Hairdressing & Barbering Apprenticeships.

Mrs Winter took a tour of the accessible centre, spent time with both staff and learners, and heard first hand about the positive impact Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s Traineeship programme is having on learners. The MP was told how Â鶹ֱ²¥ offers all learners a pathway to employment or further study.

Beth Winter MP said: “It was lovely to spend some time in the brilliant new Â鶹ֱ²¥ training centre in Aberdare today.

“It is vital that we have a variety of opportunities and skills pathways for young people in our communities and I came away feeling inspired by the passion of staff and the enthusiasm of learners.�

During the pandemic, Â鶹ֱ²¥ made a significant investment in digital technology, to ensure learners received the very best specialised training to prepare for modern work. This investment is ongoing and can be seen in the new centre, where a large state of the art, interactive whiteboard – called a Prowise Touchscreen, takes centre stage. It enables digital collaboration between learners and staff, learning at home, in the classroom, or linking with other centres.

Â鶹ֱ²¥ is no stranger to Aberdare, having been previously located in Victoria Square. The new Canon Street centre offers a bigger space for learners, in a more prominent location. The centre also boasts an outdoor space for learning and teaching, with plans for a kitchen garden in the pipeline. It has the capacity for up to 100 learners.

Regional Manager Hollie Keepings said:Ìý“The centre has a great location in the town’s main street, but it’s what goes on inside that really counts.

“We aim to provide bespoke support to each individual learner whilst they embark on their learning journey with us, coupled with outstanding wellbeing support – which is core to everything we do.”

Â鶹ֱ²¥ Managing Director Richard Spear added:Ìý“We were delighted to welcome Beth Winter MP to our Aberdare centre today, to meet our dedicated team and our fantastic learners.

“Beth shares our passion for ensuring everyone in the community has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and we look forward to working with her to improve the economy and skills levels of the Cynon Valley.�

Â鶹ֱ²¥ Training has seven centres across South Wales, including Cardiff, Caerphilly, Barry and Bridgend. The newest one in Aberdare offers support and training opportunities to 16-18 year olds looking to join the world of work. Learners can complete a Traineeship in Hairdressing, Childcare, Business Services and more at the specialist site. They are also given advice and guidance on writing CVs, interview techniques and other tips to land their dream job.

Learners from across Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s Traineeship and Apprenticeship programmes secured nine medals in a range of skillset competitions including: Accountancy, Hairdressing, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). In total, 5 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals were won.

Full results from the day were as follows:

Gold Medal

Rebeca Geciova – Inclusive Skills: Hairdressing

Kathryn Rees – Accountancy

Mollie Jones – Accountancy

Ellis Potter – Accountancy

Morgan Griffith – Inclusive Skills: ICT

Silver Medal

Kidah Ball – Inclusive skills: Hairdressing

Coby-Jay Barratt – Inclusive: ICT

Bronze Medal

Angela Driscoll – Inclusive Skills: Hairdressing

Alex Beaumont – Inclusive Skills: ICT

Following on from the success of their performance at Skills Competition Wales, two of Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s learners, Alex Beaumont and Rhiannon Fisher are already registered to compete in the World Skills UK Competitions due to take place later this year. Traineeship learner, Alex, from Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s Business Services programme, has registered for the Software Solutions for Business competition, with Rhiannon Fisher, a Hairdressing, Beauty and Barbering apprentice, registering for the Hairdressing competition.

Skills Competition Wales aims to raise the profile of skills in Wales and offers students, trainees and apprentices a chance to challenge, benchmark and raise their skills by taking part in competitions across a range of sectors. Successful winners from the competition can qualify for the WorldSkills UK finals and can go on to become part of the UK squad for the international WorldSkills Finals.

Funded by the Welsh Government, the competition is run by a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers and employer-led organisations. Speaking about the success of Â鶹ֱ²¥ learners at the event, Â鶹ֱ²¥ Managing Director, Richard Spear said: “Skills competitions are a great way for learners to realise their potential, whilst inspiring others in the art of the possible. A huge congratulations to our learners, and our dedicated colleagues who support them, on their fantastic achievements at Skills Competition Wales.”