TWO newly-qualified hairdressing stylists are encouraging young people contemplating their futures, to consider an apprenticeship in hairdressing.

Nineteen-year-olds Melissa Harrison and Yazmine Walker have started their apprenticeships at the hairdressers, instead of going to college. Both say that they made the best choice of career by learning in a hands-on way in the salon.

After leaving Laurence Jackson School at 16, Melissa joined Shine Hair & Beauty, in Stokesley, as an apprentice.

“I’ve learned everything by doing it, training in the salon with senior stylists, who’ve all been here since I started, so it’s been stable and consistent. I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship.

"I have friends who’ve gone to college but then have still had to find an apprenticeship. If you can join a good salon, the training is of a really high standard.”

Yazmine, who lives in Redcar, joined Shine in Stokesley eight months ago and has completed her level three qualification after completing level two at a different salon, with one day a week at college.

She said: “I always wanted to be a hairdresser and I’ve learned so much at Shine, on the technical and technique side and in customer service. You need to choose your salon carefully, but I think it’s a great career.”

Salon owner Stephen MacVean said: “Many people don’t realise it takes three years to qualify as a hairdresser and it requires commitment, passion and creative talent.

“Yazmine and Melissa are just the kind of dedicated young people we’re looking for and it’s been great for us to see them develop. They take their career potential seriously and most of all they enjoy what they do. They have a lot to offer their own growing client base as well as the future of our industry.”