Nicola Crew, a salon owner and student at the college spoke to us about why she is doing her teacher training qualification and the importance of the hair industry for both hairdressers and the community.
“I left school and came to Chesterfield College to study hairdressing. When I qualified and then went into working in salons to gain experience before setting my own business up. I now take apprentices on to support their journey.
We asked Nicola why she decided to do her teacher training as she is already running a successful business.
“I wanted to do this course to help apprentices learn the practical skills needed in the industry and support them with their learning.
When I was a student, it was a lot of cleaning and low wages. I don’t want someone to come in and do that. I want stylists to stand on their own two feet and gain their own clients. It is important for them to become confident, even if they move elsewhere.
It’s important that you give back and allow the students to learn and put their skills into practice.”
Nicola runs her own Salon and is currently taking on apprentices from the college. She tells us how the apprentices need to learn more than hairdressing, they need to learn people skills and be good listeners.
“Hairdressing isn’t just hairdressing; you’re a councillor, someone’s shoulder to cry on and to share good news with. You are constantly meeting people on different journeys of life. That experience helps you gain life skills, and how to support and work with different customers. Apprentices need the experience to be able to do this.
I have seen new staff start with me who don’t know how to make a coffee or open a black bin bag. It’s important to support them. In their home life, they might not have that guidance or support. You are watching them grow and supporting them where they need it.
Employers need to give back and teach the new wave of hairdressers.“
Nicola has experienced learning in college and working in industry, so we wanted to know her advice for students just starting their journeys.
Nicola believes “being around the same age group in similar scenarios is important. If they want to be a hairdresser, they should be in college just after school, whether that’s one day a week on an apprenticeship or in full-time/part-time on a course.
College gives you the support network and opportunity to learn different techniques from each other. They can see if they like it, try different salons and have options inside of being stuck on a full-time placement.
It’s so inspiring to see how much the learners come on and the enthusiasm from the students and tutors just ignites something. You can see everyone really cares and wants you to succeed.”
