Student, 23-year-old Lauren McGrath, recently gained employment with Blades Salon in Raven Way, Crowhill Road. Lauren's exceptional performance during her six-hour End Point Assessment (EPA)—where she didn't drop a single mark—exemplifies the high standards upheld by the course.
Now a junior stylist at Blades, Lauren works alongside other talented young professionals, including Eva Stanley and Daisy-Mae Frisby, both of whom have followed similar pathways through the college’s apprenticeship scheme.
Lauren said: “The course is simply amazing. I began when I was 20 after a maternity break. I knew I wanted to do hairdressing and contacted the salon where I had a two-week trial before being offered an apprenticeship, which involved attending the college once a week.
“Lecturers Sarah and Dannielle were fantastic and so helpful. They explain things in steps and teach you the skills to perform certain styles, along with valuable hints and tips.
“It’s also helped me in so many other ways, like my confidence. When I began, I was nervous all the time, but the course really helped me overcome that.”
Sarah Winters, the owner and director of Blades Salon, has played a pivotal role in this apprenticeship journey. A former student apprentice herself, Sarah has since built a thriving business that excels in professional hairdressing and invests in developing fresh talent from the ground up.
She said: “Welcoming 50 employees over the years, most of whom have completed their apprenticeships here, is a proud moment for us. We are a family-run salon, proudly trading for 22 years, and our success is attributed to our dedicated and loyal team.
"As someone who started my career as an apprentice, I know firsthand the value of this experience. Lauren's success is a testament to the quality of training provided by the college. It's incredibly rewarding to see our apprentices grow and succeed, and we're excited to continue this legacy.”
The Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College is a comprehensive two-year course that combines practical training at local salons, such as Blades, with college-based learning.
Apprentices benefit from a robust curriculum that includes day-release classes, professional discussions, exams, and an end-point practical assessment covering a range of advanced techniques, such as woven highlights, restyles, short graduation haircuts, and curly blow-dries.
Sarah Ogden, Hairdressing Lecturer at the college, works closely with students throughout their journey.
She said: "Our goal is to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the industry. Lauren's flawless performance during her assessment was truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and the success of all our students who pass through this course.”
The apprenticeship is not only open to school leavers but also to older students looking to change careers. Blades recently welcomed Daisy-Mae Frisby, a 20-year-old student who joined the programme after completing her A-Levels.
The college is always ready to welcome new applicants and has seven current vacancies. There is no need to wait until the start of the academic year, as the course is delivered on a cohort basis.
Prospective students interested in joining the apprenticeship programme must secure a job offer from a salon and demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning and work.
With up to 30 students accommodated each year, the course is designed to adapt to the needs of both students and salons, ensuring a dynamic and supportive learning environment.
Hairdressing is just one of the apprenticeship courses NWSL College offers. Other apprenticeship subjects and roles include Business Administrator, Customer Service, Human Resources, Autocare, Lift Truck and Powered Access, Carpentry, Bricklayer, Installation Electrical, and Lean Manufacturing Operative.
