Engineer Dave to relive life as an Apprentice hairdresser
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (6-10 February), Dave Yarwood, Director of Business Development at Carlisle College will be hanging up his business suit on Wednesday 8th February and trying his hand at something completely out of his comfort zone – becoming an apprentice hairdresser.
Dave, who undertook a four year engineering apprenticeship 32 years ago in Bootle, Liverpool will be shadowing apprentice hairdresser Jay Elliott for the day at The Edge on Chapel Street, Carlisle and is keen to discover just what apprenticeships in 2012 really offer young people.
Carlisle College has been successfully delivering Apprenticeships and work based learning across Cumbria for many years; is currently enjoying record success rates and is 14% up on the national average for timely success.
Commenting on the day Dave said, “As I have overall responsibility for the Apprenticeship scheme at the College, who better to highlight the important role that they play in providing local employers, such as The Edge with a loyal and skilled workforce.
“As a former engineer, turning my hand at hairdressing is certainly taking me out of my comfort zone but I’m sure it’s going to be very interesting experience and I’m keen to understand what Jay does on a day to day basis and how he contributes to the success of the business.”
During his day at the salon Dave will undertake many of the tasks that Jay does including meeting and greeting customers, answering the phone, shampooing, assisting stylists and blow drying.
Commenting on the Dave’s visit, salon owner Stuart Pearce said, “Jay is five months into his two year apprenticeship and trainees like him are essential to my business as we need to have a new generation of stylists coming through all the time.
“We’re able to train them in the way we want them to work, they are learning on the job and constantly acquiring skills by watching the rest of my team, and obviously learn essential skills from the great teaching team at the College.
“We’re delighted that Dave has decided to join us for the day, although we don’t think he’s quite ready to be let loose with a pair of scissors!”
Carlisle College currently offer 16 apprenticeship schemes with Level 2 and Level 3 opportunities.
Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16 years-old whether just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.
Students studying at Carlisle College are better prepared due to the skills delivery, and facilities that are unrivalled in north Cumbria. In November 2011 the College opened its new £10m campus in the heart of Carlisle and facilities include a new, high tech hair and beauty salon, bespoke construction workshops, state of the art engineering facilities as well as a range of learning spaces which can be tailored to meet individual needs.
For further information about Apprenticeships at Carlisle College please call 01228 822700 or visit www.cumbriaapprenticeships.co.uk
