In January 2007 Andrea phoned NHTA after receiving a mail shot about Train to Gain at the salon where she was working as a ‘shampoo lady’ and cleaner. Andrea was 38 years old and had left school with no formal qualifications. With a young family Andrea had no time to carry on her work at the salon and take on extra studies to allow her to follow her ambition – to become a qualified hairdresser. Andrea wanted to know more about Train to Gain and how it could work for her.

Armed with appropriate information advice and guidance, Andrea started her training on the programme at the end of February 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Andrea says “it was a fantastic opportunity and I have been supported by everyone at the salon. Michaela, my tutor was fabulous and extremely supportive. I am thrilled to have achieved this qualification and it has changed my whole life.”

Emma, the salon owner says “This has been a wonderful opportunity, not only for Andrea but the whole salon. Now that Andrea is qualified she can work her own column as well as provide cover for holidays, sickness etc. The training came at the ideal time for me because it allowed me to go onto maternity leave knowing that I could come back part time because Andrea could take on some of my clients.”

Asked how she felt Train to Gain had benefited the business Emma commented, “I feel that Train to Gain is marvelous because Andrea has been able to train in the salon and not attend college on a regular basis. This has meant that she has gained invaluable salon experience whilst training. I would recommend this way of training to anyone.”

Andrea says she would like to enjoy what she has achieved for a little while but would definitely like to go on to achieve an NVQ Level 3 in the future.

I started my training with NHTA when I first left school in 1992. I already had a job which I started before I left school and was working Saturdays, evenings and during the school holidays.

I didn’t know about NHTA at the time, but my boss told me about it and he arranged for me to start my training. I completed my NVQ Level 2 in hairdressing in about 1 ½ years and went straight on to my NVQ Level 3 which I completed in about 6 months.

After completing L3 I decided to do a management course in my own time and then went on to complete D32 and D33 which meant that I was a qualified assessor.

Three years after completing my assessor qualification I applied for and got a job working at NHTA.

It was always my ambition, right from the start; to become a teacher in the area I am passionate about, namely hairdressing. I am pleased to say that I achieved my ambition by being focussed and with dogged determination.

I have now been at NHTA since April 2002 and have continued to climb the ladder of success. I have now also gained a full teaching qualification and my V1, which means that I now also monitor the standards of teaching within the organisation.

NHTA is under new ownership and I recognise further opportunities to develop my career. I am still as passionate about hairdressing and love working for NHTA. My main motivation is the self gratification of seeing young people qualifying to a very high standard and eventually graduating when they complete their Advanced Apprenticeship.

Andrew Baxter Hairdressing

We have been working with NHTA since we first opened our salon 15 years ago. We have never had any problems and have an excellent working relationship with NHTA.

Dawn Baxter (Proprietor) 15/02/08

Capones Hairdressing

We have been working with NHTA right from the start, 25 years ago. They offer realistic training programmes working closely with us and the learners. We have an excellent partnership with them and they give us full back up and support.

Karen Young (Proprietor) 15/02/2008