Jay Spears – Former barbering apprentice
“In the future I want to own my own salon and host my own educational courses specialising in all aspects of barbering – and none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for my apprenticeship,” said 22-year-old Jay Spears who completed his barbering apprenticeship in 2018.
Jay, from Telford, added: “When I was young I watched my mom who was a hairdresser and was very fussy with my own hair too. I used to watch barbers on YouTube and new that it was what I wanted to do.
“At college I learnt lots of different scissor techniques and the importance of health and safety in the salon, as well as an understanding of the whole concept of barbering – from meeting and greeting clients, what products to use with different hair types and how to give my clients advice to maintain their hairstyle at home – everything you need to become a great barber!
“When I passed my end point assessment and successfully completed my apprenticeship I was over the moon and excited to start the next part of my career journey – I wasn’t academic at school so it was nice to get a qualification in something I enjoy doing and to get paid whilst I was training!
“I now work at Beggars and Squires in Donnington and like to showcase my skills at barbering events and entering shows, as well as on Instagram and I’m currently in the process of becoming and ambassador for some top barbering brands.
“An apprenticeship gives you skills in an area you want to work in. Learning on-the-job is the best way to learn, especially in barbering or hairdressing, you learn more in a working environment that you ever would sitting in a classroom all day.”
Interested in doing an apprenticeship? See our latest apprenticeship vacancies or contact us to learn more.
