Ruby goes from Social Work Graduate to Professional Hairdresser, with the support of Preston’s College
Initially joining Preston’s College straight from secondary school, to study Art and Design, Ruby followed the traditional education route, progressing onto university to study a demanding degree in Social Work. Upon completion of her degree, Ruby successfully progressed into a role working with adults with additional needs but the birth of her daughter saw her seeking a more creative career.
Enjoying her time on the Art and Design course at Preston’s College and with a personal interest in hairdressing, Ruby explored her options and was delighted to discover the Level 2 Hairdressing course at Preston’s College was studied during the daytime, allowing her to fit studying around childcare requirements.
Enrolling on the Level 2 Hairdressing course in September 2018, Ruby studied for two days per week, learning the basics of cutting before progressing onto more advanced techniques in layering, short hair cutting, basic colouring (full head and root), rollers, heated styling, basic styling, setting and perming.
The practical elements of the course, undertaken in the purpose built, on-site salon, were complemented with assignments, exams, written work and personal study sessions. Gaining confidence as the course progressed and enjoying the opportunities presented by the on-site salon to work on real, paying customers, upon successful completion of the Level 2 course, Ruby progressed onto the higher level, Level 3 Hairdressing course, starting in September 2019.
This one year course provides a renewed focus on personalised styling, with particular emphasis on the styles and techniques clients regularly ask for when visiting a salon, including Balayage, Ombre and other technical elements of hair styling.
Gaining confidence throughout the course, summer 2019 saw Ruby secure a work placement at Mitzfitz salon in Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, where she now works every week on a Friday. Here Ruby benefits from working alongside highly experienced salon staff, gaining additional confidence and perfecting her skills in everything from customer service to basic washing, cutting and more advanced colouring.
With plans to progress into a full-time salon role upon completion of her Level 3 course, Ruby said:
“I am so glad I decided to pursue a career change and follow my passion of working in a more creative industry. I am looking forward to earning my own money, working independently to support my daughter and working in a role where I am surrounded by likeminded individuals who all share the same interests in hairdressing and styling.”
Crediting the tutors with being instrumental in supporting her goals, Ruby added:
“The tutors on both the Level 2 and Level 3 were brilliant. All have been friendly, approachable and extremely supportive, helping me to develop a high level of skill, knowledge and a new found confidence. My Level 2 tutor has previously worked in a range of salons aboard luxurious cruise ships while my Level 3 tutor still owns her own salon, so is fully aware of the latest styles, trends and enquires often made by salon clients. We really are learning from the best!”
Concluding, Ruby said:
“At times, I have found the hairdressing course far harder than my degree! The fast pace, blended learning styles, practical sessions and theory classes mean that the course is complex but highly enjoyable and I know I will be leaving Preston’s College in the summer with a fantastic foundation to become a highly successful hairdresser. I am already building up my own client base and can’t wait to continue doing so throughout the summer at Mitzfitz, allowing me to work as a professional hairdresser, in a salon, before the end of the year!”
To find out more about adult hairdressing courses at Preston’s College, click here. To apply for September 2020 entry, click here.
