Chance to become a cut above the rest

21/01/2011

Salon owner Simone Esagbona has signed up Lauren Robbins, who will undertake a hairdressing apprenticeship at Hair by Simone in Welford Road, Leicester.

Simone said: “I thought it would be a great way of getting an extra pair of hands into the salon and providing on-the-job training to someone who could really benefit.

“I used to teach quite a lot before I took on my own salon and I’m really excited about it.

“It’s crucial people like Lauren get the type of experience I can offer.

“It’s not just about cutting hair, it’s the whole spectrum of the job, from the technical side to customer services.

“Every client wants something different and Lauren will have to learn to deal with everything in a professional manner.

“I’ll be here to advise and help while Lauren builds up a relationship with our clients.”

Companies that come forward are supported throughout the process by staff from Leicester College.
Lauren, who lives off Fosse Road North, Leicester, said: “I’d been trying to juggle being a mum and training as a nurse with De Montfort University and was finding it hard. I wasn’t getting into the course and decided it wasn’t for me.

“When I sat down and thought about what I really enjoyed, it brought to mind a job I’d had as a Saturday girl helping out at a hairdresser’s years ago.

The 24-year-old said: “I enrolled on an NVQ hairdressing course with Leicester College and now I’m taking on a two- year apprenticeship at Simone’s salon.

“I’ll be in college every Monday as part of the course but it’s the hands-on experience I’m really going to enjoy getting. I’m sure it’s going to be a great benefit to me and, hopefully, Simone as well.