Modern Apprentice - Louise Fenwick
Work-based training allows you to work towards a vocational qualification relevant to your employment, so you can learn while you earn and gain a recognised qualification.
Louise Fenwick started her SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing with Perth College UHI in 2017, and has been working at the Bob and Cloche salon at Gleneagles Hotel ever since. Due to COVID-19, life has been a little different for Louise as she was furloughed from the salon. We caught up with her to find out how she has been getting on during lockdown, and her plans for after she finishes her final assessments.
Completing an Apprenticeship and working full-time can be difficult to juggle - can you describe any challenges you had on the way, and how did you overcome them?
One of the great things about an apprenticeship, is the hands-on approach to hairdressing. Being in the salon means that, in addition to my one-to-one training sessions, I can watch and learn from experienced stylists during the day. I take a visual approach to learning, so this is a great benefit to me rather than learning from a textbook.
Has there been any stand out/memorable moments from your course?
In 2019, I was presented with the Perth College UHI Apprentice of the Year Award – an achievement I am very proud of. This shows that even though I am not learning from a classroom, my hard work is still being recognised by others.
Any other achievements you gained on your journey?
Being an apprentice has also helped with my personal development, and has helped improve my confidence. Working has definitely allowed me to come out of my shell - through working alongside my colleagues, and engaging with customers. Another key skill I have developed, is time keeping and running within columns - which is very important within hairdressing.
Can you describe how COVID-19 affected your job? How have you coped with lockdown, and being on furlough?
COVID-19 resulted in Bob and Cloche being one of the first departments to close within the hotel, due to the close proximity stylists have with clients.
What has kept you busy during lockdown?
I’ve been kept busy during lockdown by refreshing my hairdressing knowledge through online sources such as Loreal Access. This is great because I can keep up to date with all thing’s hairdressing - including colour techniques, cutting and new safety procedures brought in due to COVID-19.
Has it been difficult to stay focused with college work and carry on working towards your VQ?
One benefit of being on furlough is that it has allowed me to spend more time on the theory side of hairdressing as this can sometimes be difficult to fit in around working. My work-based accessor has been in regular contact with me during this time to ensure that all my college work is up-to-date and completed.
How different will your workplace be when you reopen?
The salon will definitely look different on my return to work, to keep everyone safe on its reopening. I will be provided with a face visor and mouth covering for my own safety. Stylists will also be working in two teams, so that we can minimise contact with each other. Unfortunately, no teas or coffees will be served either. There will also be spacing between styling stations to ensure social distancing.
What do you think about the style of teaching and the support you receive from trainer, employer and assessors?
As every stylist works differently, being around other stylists allows me to explore different techniques and find those which works best for me. Gleneagles have also given me the opportunity to go on training courses in Edinburgh and Glasgow, allowing me to learn from some of the best stylists in the industry. Working at Gleneagles is also beneficial in developing my hospitality skills.
My work-based accessor is very supportive and flexible for exam times, and will allow me to take my exam when I feel ready. Keeping in regular contact means she can ensure that I am keeping on top of all my coursework and assessments.
How do you feel your apprenticeship will help you in your career progression?
Being an apprentice means that I have invaluable work experience within the industry, which will put me in a great position as I become fully qualified. Customer service, and learning how to run reception, is one of the unique skills that I’ve developed being an apprentice - which I may not have otherwise gained from a classroom.
What advice would you give to those considering an apprenticeship?
A hairdressing apprenticeship is definitely a great way to get a head-start in the industry. It allows you to gain a qualification, whilst having a job. You can develop up-to-date hairdressing techniques, and learn from the experience of other stylists around you, whilst additionally gaining valuable customer service skills.
Where are you now?
I have almost completed my SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing, and I only have to complete two more practical exams to achieve this. COVID-19 has delayed me being able to complete this earlier. I have recently applied, and been accepted for, the position as a Hair Stylist within Bob & Cloche, I’m excited to go back to work in my new role, and hopefully complete my last few assessments very soon.
Any plans for the future?
On completion of my SVQ Level 2, I hope to go on to achieve SVQ Level 3 and then go on to gain further hairdressing qualifications in the future. I have also been enrolled into an evening barbering course at Perth College UHI, which I will begin in September.
Anything else you feel like telling us about your experience?
Working at a five-star hotel, whilst being an apprentice, has been unique in terms of the experience I have gained. I have had the opportunity to work with wedding parties and private functions, which have been great to be a part of. An apprenticeship is definitely a valuable and enjoyable way to become a hairdresser.
We offer a range of Modern Apprenticeships and Vocational Qualifications, which allow you to build valuable work experience from day one. If you would like to earn a wage, and gain an industry-recognised qualification like Louise, find out more here.
