“I originally started at college on a Health & Social Care course, but after a year I realised it wasn’t right for me. For a while I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do next, but my mum said 'You've always been great at doing hair, why don’t you try that instead?

I’m so glad she did, as enrolling on the Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing was the best decision I ever made – I absolutely loved it!

I’ve always been a very practical person. Someone can explain something to me several times and I won’t understand it, but as soon as they demonstrate it I get it straight away. I’ve always learnt far better that way.

I love the social side of hairdressing. I really enjoy talking to different people and making them feel relaxed and comfortable in the salon. I also like the fact that it’s a very varied job; no two days are ever the same.”

"There are many benefits of doing an apprenticeship. For me, the main selling point was the fact I could learn on the job – I’ve always learnt better that way. I love being able to watch someone do something and then try it for myself straight afterwards. I think I get the best of both worlds because I get to be out and about in a real working environment, and then come to college one day a week to learn the theory to back up what I’m learning in the workplace.

The facilities in the new Future Technologies Centre are excellent and it definitely feels like a real-life working environment.

At the moment my short-term goal is to successfully complete my Level 3 apprenticeship. After that, I plan to take a three-day course to become an MOT tester and also do an air conditioning course, as this will make me more employable and open up more job opportunities in the future."

Maria said,

"I would recommend an Apprenticeship as they are really interesting and I have wanted to work in aerospace since I was a child. I learn a wide range of skills and everyday is different. I have always loved aerospace so this is exactly what I wanted to do."

Megan said,

"When I was at school I wasn't really told about Apprenticeships. As soon as I saw there was an opportunity to study an Apprenticeship where the learning is more hands on, I thought that would be the perfect path for me. I started off doing a Level 2 Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship and I have progressed onto a Level 3 Performing Engineering Operations Apprenticeship. I plan to go as fair as I can in this industry.

“I am currently on a Level 2 apprenticeship at Mark Fisher Carpenters Ltd, based in Tiverton.

I really like the fact that every day is different, depending on what projects my dad is currently working on. At the moment we’re doing a barn conversion, installing the timber frame and fitting the windows, doors, skirting and architrave.

This is a very practical course, as you would expect, which really suits me, as I’ve always learnt better doing hands-on work, rather than in an academic environment.

I feel like I’ve got a good balance by doing an apprenticeship, as there are some things which I learn at college which I don’t have the opportunity to do at work, and vice versa. This gives me a much more varied skills set than if I was just in the workplace or just on a college course. An apprenticeship gives you a lot of options, as you have the skills to either go and work for someone else, do contract work or even set up your own business.

After I complete this study programme I’ll be moving onto the Level 3. The plan is to stay with my dad and then maybe one day become a partner in his business. The industry definitely seems to be picking up at the moment, and there seems to be a lot of upcoming work on new builds and restorations, so I’m excited for the future.”