Learning the tricks of the hairdressing trade couldn’t be more perfect for Solihull College apprentice Charlotte Leniham.
She carries out her apprenticeship at hair and beauty salon KCUK – which run by two former Solihull College apprentices.
Situated in the heart of Solihull town centre, KCUK is a luxury hair and beauty day spa run by sisters Carla Pike and Krystle Conway.
They set up their business in November 2008 having both completed Level 2 and Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeships at Solihull College.
Seventeen-year-old Charlotte, who is currently working towards her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, works at KCUK five days a week.
Her role involves washing and blow-drying hair for clients, shadowing the hair stylists, and dealing with customers on the reception desk.
Charlotte said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship at KCUK. I have always wanted to be a hairdresser and working in the salon means I can learn a lot more and get advice directly from experienced stylists.
"My confidence in dealing with members of the public has grown enormously and that’s something you can’t achieve from sitting in a classroom.
"I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship to others wanting to become a hairdresser.”
As part of her apprenticeship programme, Charlotte attends Solihull College every Monday for her classroom-based learning. The course encompasses a variety of modules including customer service, consultation, styling and dressing hair, colouring, and promoting products to clients.
Carla, senior stylist and co-owner of KCUK, said: “Having been an apprentice myself I know how beneficial working in the hairdressing environment is to help a person develop – you can’t simulate what happens in the workplace into college.
"It has been great to see Charlotte blossom into a confident worker and become a great asset to our team.”
* If you are interested in doing an apprenticeship please contact Solihull College’s Employer Services Team on 0121 678 7181 or email sales@solihull.ac.uk.
