Saturday girl turns salon manager

A hairdressing apprentice who started as a ‘Saturday girl’ has been promoted to manager of a new salon due to open in Plymouth.

Skills Group apprentice Holly Harrison, aged 20, will head up the new branch of Loose Ends Hair and Beauty in Foxwood Gardens, Plymstock, from July 5.

Holly has worked at the Dean Hill branch of Loose Ends Hair and Beauty for four years. She started on Saturdays before joining full-time after leaving school aged 16.

With the support of training provider Skills Group, Holly has successfully completed NVQ Level 2 and 3 in hairdressing and Level 2 in barbering, and her reward has been promotion.

Debbie Rogers, owner of Loose Ends Hair and Beauty, said she was the perfect woman to take charge of the new salon.

Debbie added: “I have known Holly’s family for years and knew she wanted to be a hairdresser. Initially I had her in as a Saturday girl and we trained her in-house with the help of Skills Group.

“She has done very well and I’m delighted to have her as manager of our new salon. She is very trustworthy and competent and I couldn’t wish for a better person.”

An open day is being held on July 5 at the new salon before it opens to customer appointments on July 7.

Holly said: “I am really excited, I love a challenge. When Debbie is on holiday she leaves me in charge and I love doing the business side, I’m a very organised person.

“In-house training is a great way to learn. It gives you salon experience and more confidence.

“When you start out in hairdressing it’s always a dream that one day you’ll run your own salon, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve chosen all the décor and fittings to go in the new salon.”

Skills Group Service Sector Manager, Sharon Chaffe, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Holly who has successfully completed her apprenticeships and been rewarded with this fantastic opportunity. I also congratulate Loose Ends on the growth of their business.

“Holly’s experience showcases how apprenticeships work: they give the apprentice the skills, knowledge and confidence for their specific sector, learning both on and off-the-job. At the end of the programme the employer has a very competent and able individual who is committed to the business that has invested in them.”

Skills Group works with some of the region’s top employers to offer apprenticeships that lead to sustainable employment opportunities. Skills Group employers are able to attract quality applicants by offering salaries above the national minimum apprenticeship wage.