Scottish Apprenticeship Week: Craig Simpson

This year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week takes place from 2 – 6 March and is celebrating the diversity which makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the economy. On the blog this week, we are looking at the journeys of some of our fantastic students who have proved that talent has no limits. Craig Simpson shares his story of doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, and tells us where his life has ended up now.

““I never really thought I would be where I am today””

I started my journey in the summer of 2008, when I was 17. After studying NQ Theatre Arts at Dundee College, I managed to secure an apprenticeship with Copperfields Hair and Beauty in Perth.

My apprenticeship lasted three years in the salon, but I did my level 2 in 2009 and Perth College UHI came to the salon to assess me. Normally this would take two years for Perth College UHI to complete, but we managed to do it in one year. It was a tough year getting different models in every two weeks, but it was totally worth it at the end as I was awarded Work-Based Student of the Year!

Would you recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to anyone that is thinking about doing one?

I do think doing an apprenticeship is totally worth the three years that it takes to complete, as you learn so much. For example: dealing with customers, working under pressure and time management skills. You do get your ups and your downs, but its only for three years. Your friends might be earning a lot more, but if hairdressing means that much to you then the money won’t bother you - and you could end up where I am today. 

What did you do after you finished your apprenticeship?

In 2011, I qualified to Graduate Stylist. I learnt so much during this year – I managed to cut my timings down from an hour to 40 minutes. I learnt more about the different hair types, and was asked by GHD to audition for their style squad. I stayed at Copperfields for a further two years, going from Graduate Stylist to Salon Stylist. After qualifying you might think that you do not want to stay in hairdressing, but give it a year as you will change your mind. I felt that I did not want to do it after I qualified, but the experience you will gain is amazing. 

How did you continue developing your skills?

I moved to Edinburgh to work in one of Scotland’s biggest name salons, Charlie Miller. I retrained for six months, learning shorter hair techniques and how to take weight out. It was a completely different way of hairdressing than I was used to, but I managed to do it and hard work does pay off. This is what I like about being a hairdresser - you are always learning. Unfortunately, Edinburgh didn’t work out for me as its very expensive so I came back to Perth. I left Copperfield’s on good terms, and I was very lucky for them to take me back with open arms. So, from then to now, it’s been a bit crazy.

Can you tell us about the success and recognition that you have had?

It’s good to push yourself so, when I came back to Copperfields, I entered the Loreal Young Colourist Award and got in to the top 5 for Scotland. I had to do a video explaining a colour technique that I had done. I also went to Manchester to compete for a place on the Young Colourist Team for the UK. The experience was crazy, and brilliant. Unfortunately, I didn’t win - but it’s the taking part that counts. 

I completed my Level 3 Hairdressing and this was a lot harder as I was a busy stylist in the salon - juggling between clients and college, but I soon got into a routine and passed.

After submitting a men’s fashion look image for the NHF Business Awards, I was invited down to Birmingham and I ended up winning! I’ve also been a finalist for the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards in Glasgow – where I have been up for ‘Male Hairdresser of the Year, ‘Best Colourist and ‘Best Blow-Dry’. I won best blow-dry for the whole of Scotland, which was amazing and the people who sponsored my award are the people who supply my eco towels in the salon today!

I’ve also been regional finalist three times for Loreal Men’s Image and won for Scotland in 2017. I had to go down to London and compete against all of the other regional winners. This is a big thing for me as I’ve always wanted to go to London, and I did! We came third out of the whole of the UK, so I’m proud with that.

I was also a finalist for The Herald’s ‘Look Awards’ where I had to do a live hair cut in front of an audience. 

Where did your path take you next?

I felt like I had done what I could at Copperfields and that I needed more of a push. This is when I decided to go and do it for myself. I left Copperfields at the end of December 2017 and by the start of 2018, I was self-employed. I took three months off to see what I could do, and then from April I started renting a chair in Perth city centre where I had to build up a new clientele. I rented the chairs for 13 months, and then I felt like I was ready to move to my own place. And then in June 2019, that’s what I did!

How is the new salon going?

I have never been so busy in my life – it’s all about hard work and an eye for detail. Six months into having the salon, I had to employ an apprentice. I never thought I would have to do this but, as the work has got so busy, I really need her to help me. So, this is my new chapter of pushing myself into being an employer and a hairdresser at the same time - but I love it! Hairdressing isn’t a job, it’s my hobby.

If Craig’s journey has inspired you, take a look at the wide range of Modern Apprenticeships and Vocational Qualifications on offer at Perth College UHI.

Like more information? Get in touch with our National Training Programmes and Employability Manager, Sarah-Jane Urquhart
sarah-jane.urquhart.perth@uhi.ac.uk or 01738 877 254