Luxury travel can be a snip with the right qualifications
HAIRDRESSER Jody Taylor has swapped salon clients for holidaymakers after taking up the job of a lifetime on the high seas.
The 20-year-old, from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, was recruited by spa operators Steiner who provide on-board spa and beauty services to luxury cruise ships.
Jody had completed an advanced apprenticeship in hairdressing at Birmingham Metropolitan College last July, which was in conjunction with Bijou Hair in Sutton Coldfield.
She says: ‘I saw how a successful salon operates, built up relationships with my own clients and completed paperwork efficiently.
‘I would take what I learned at college back to the salon and viceversa. That’s why an apprenticeship is a great way to begin a career and then explore other opportunities.’
Jody, who completed a six-week induction with Steiner in London before embarking on her first working trip last autumn, adds: ‘I’d never been away from home for more than a few weeks, but my dad often worked abroad and the experiences he described were always positive.’
As part of her application and interview process, Jody made a presentation to a panel describing her work experiences to date and was also assessed on her hairdressing skills. She says: ‘I’ve also had the chance to be trained in and provide other beauty therapy and spa services. I also have four years’ professional dance experience, so further down the line I might be able to support staff with their performances. I’m happy to see where life takes me.’
Louise Lakin, department director at BMet, says: ‘Having guided Jody through her Level 2 and Level 3 hairdressing qualifications, it’s rewarding for us to see just how much she has achieved.
‘BMet provides full-time hair and beauty courses for school leavers and adults, with the skills they gain leading to self-employment as well as work in salons, spas and hotels.
‘Our apprenticeship programmes enable employers to train staff in a way that best suits their business needs. The college then supports these individuals with a theoretical understanding, industry knowledge and practical assessments.’
FOR further details about apprenticeship opportunities with BMet, visit www.bmetc.ac.uk, call 0845 155 0101 or email training@bmetc.ac.uk