Never too late to start a career for Cheshire mum

Feb 17 2011 Chester Chronicle

Mother-of-four Susan Jones has shown it is never too late to train for a new career, taking on an apprenticeship after 16 years of caring for her family.

Susan, 47, from Ellesmere Port, began an NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship in hairdressing at West Cheshire College, after getting a taste for the industry working at The Grove Salon in Chester.

Originally starting out on the reception desk, Susan has worked for the salon for just over a year, and now, alongside her day job, spends one day a week at the college training to become a junior stylist.

Susan said: “I began working at the salon to help out the owner, a friend of mine who had just set up the business. It started out as just me and her and, after a while, even though I loved what I was doing, I thought it would be great if I could assist her when she was busy.

“The idea just seemed to grow from there and before I knew it I had started the course at the college. It was really exciting to be back in education after 30 years and the other girls have made me feel so welcome. II often wondered why I didn’t do something like this earlier.

“I have received nothing but help and encouragement all the way and it’s great to be able to put my skills to good use at the salon. It just goes to show what you can achieve when you put your mind to it. If you’d have asked me last year if I would be an adult hairdressing apprentice I would have laughed, but I am thoroughly enjoying my new career.”

The two-year apprenticeship is ideal for those starting out in hairdressing and covers areas such as health and safety in the workplace, working on reception, shampooing, cutting, colouring and setting.

For more information regarding becoming an apprentice or recruiting an apprentice, call the apprenticeship team on 01244 670430.