2024 Apprenticeship Awards

Apprentice Natashia Locke has taken on a mentoring role at M J Hair Salon to share her skills and knowledge after achieving a Foundation Apprenticeship in Hairdressing.

Natashia is mentoring and inspiring a new learner in the salon whilst also helping to build the business with her growing list of customers.

She loves to learn new skills and her assessor praises the excellent quality of her practical and written work and high level of competence. She sets herself personal goals and constantly strives to exceed them.

Natashia's employer praises her “excellent attitude to learning, positive work ethic and teamwork”, adding that “she has become a confident and talented stylist”.

Redundancy in 2017 was the springboard for a learning journey that has seen Eirian Edwards achieve a series of qualifications and start her own beauty therapy business.

She has completed Apprenticeships in Beauty Therapy at Levels 2 and 3 at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and has now applied for a PGCE degree with the aim of becoming a tutor in the future.

She balances running her own business with being mum to two teenagers on the autistic spectrum and praises the support and encouragement she has received from assessor Elin Parry.

She has loved every moment of her learning journey which has boosted her skills, knowledge and confidence. Hairdressing, Sports Massage Therapy, Nail Technology and Facial Electrical qualifications have been completed as she looks forward to sharing her passion for all things beauty therapy as a tutor in the future.

Barber Conner Childes’ dedication and passion for learning sets a shining example to his peers and colleagues.

Conner has impressed his assessor and employer with his excellent attitude, skills and enthusiasm whilst completing his Foundation Apprenticeship in Barbering which he finished ahead of schedule. He is now progressing to an apprenticeship.

His attention to detail and high standard of work have secured him a good client base and resulted in the salon moving to larger premises. He also supports and encourages his peers at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.

Destined to have a bright future as a barber, Conner values feedback from colleagues as he strives to keep learning and improving.