The MOST Spring/Summer 2021

| 9 THE FINAL CUT! At the turn of the year we were thrilled to announce that three of our hairdressing apprentices, Katie, Alisha and Jasmine had made the FINALS at the 2021 UK Hair and Beauty Awards. It was a wonderful way to start the year particularly as they had had a unsettled year previous with the Covid pandemic, which saw hair and beauty salons across the county close due to lockdown and tier restrictions. Skip a few months since the announcement and we’re delighted that Katie has been awarded 9th place overall in the grand finals! Katie says: “I was so excited to have got through the first rounds of the awards. And now to have come 9th overall in the grand finals is an absolute dream come true.” Alisha said: “I was really excited and happy to get through to the finals – there’s an awful lot of hard work that goes into something like this so I am really thrilled that my work has been recognised.” Jasmine added: “Yes, I totally agree. I was so proud and excited that our work had been recognised. It was a really great feeling.” John Kersey at Kersey Hairdressing and Katie and Alisha’s employer says: “I am delighted with both Alisha and Katie, they have a high work ethic and put so much into caring for their clients. “Many apprentices over the 25 years of Kersey Hairdressing have been trained via Preston’s College, and I have always been happy with the support given to my apprentices and my salon.” Tutor, Amanda says: “All three girls have done extremely well and we’re all so proud of them. Alisha has worked so hard to complete her apprenticeships and is an amazing hair stylist. Katie, equally is an amazing student and always puts so much effort into everything she does and Jasmine works so very hard at the college and the workplace; she has real ambition and a drive to succeed. Well done to all three girls – they have done incredibly well.” MEET THE FINALISTS Name: Jasmine Apprenticeship: Level 2 Hair Professional Apprentice Works for: The Salon No.1, Longridge Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? It felt like a really good opportunity for me to work in a salon. I’ve always loved the idea of becoming a hairdresser so it seemed the perfect way to learn. Tell us one thing you love about your apprenticeship: The people that I work with and the clients I work on. I love seeing the end result after I have cut and styled a client. It’s really rewarding. What next? After my apprenticeship I want to become a successful hairdresser with the view to become self-employed and have my own salon. Name: Katie Apprenticeship: Level 2 Hair Professional Apprentice Works for: Kersey Hairdressing Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? I really wanted the salon experience while learning the technical skills of hairdressing. Tell us one thing you love about your apprenticeship: Working on the clients even though I’m still training. What next? I’m just concentrating on completing my apprenticeship then who knows…. Name: Alisha Apprenticeship: Level 2 Hair Professional Apprentice Works for: Kersey Hairdressing Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? I wanted to learn on the job and earn money whilst learning a skill. Tell us one thing you love about your apprenticeship: I love meeting new clients and creating new colours and styles. What next? I want to complete my apprenticeship and then the dream is to become self- employed in the salon I’m working in. Jasmine, a hairdressing apprentice at Preston’s College and finalist at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards Alisha (left) and Katie (right); finalists as the UK Hair and Beauty Awards. | 12