Hairdressing Apprentices Showcase Cutting-Edge Design

A group of creative hairdressing apprentices helped Bolton College kick off National Apprenticeship Week 2016 by showcasing their extravagant skills on the catwalk. 
  
The hairdressing department, which is accredited by Wella Professionals and the British Barbering Association, chose to host this year’s showcase during National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the success of their apprentices and the broad range of skills an Apprenticeship can develop. 
  
25 hairdressing and barbering apprentices showcased their skills, each giving their model a unique image around the themes of ‘red carpet’ and ‘avant-garde masquerade’. 
  
Dipti Patel is currently completing a Hairdressing Apprenticeship Level 3 with Bolton College  and working at The Messy Mare hair salon in Bolton. Dipti, who modelled her hair design on the avant garde theme, said: “I’d definitely recommend an Apprenticeship. Employers want experience as well as qualifications.” 
  
In addition to influential industry figures – including Reps from Wella and Salon Services – a number of local employers also attended the glittering catwalk event to get a glimpse of the apprentices’ collective talents. Employers in attendance included Sarah’s Hair, Objet d'art, Hair Shac, KW hairdressing, Perfect Cuts, Nicola Louise, The Messy Mare and Beverly Ann's. 
  
Abigail Chapman, Work-based Hairdressing Assessor at Bolton College, said: “We received glowing feedback from attendees on the night. The apprentices were buzzing with excitement to greet their employers, and the employers made the most of the networking opportunity after watching the catwalk. The event succeeded in highlighting the skills our apprentices develop during their training and why Apprenticeships are so important to us as a College.” 
  
Nikki Lanaghan, owner of Objet d’art, said: “It’s such a treat to witness young stylists producing such a high quality of work. It’ll be exciting to see what they accomplish in the future!”