Phoebe, Beauty Therapy Apprentice

Beauty apprentice stocking shelves in beauty salon

Phoebe Rajput, Matisse

"The best part for me is that I am working full-time, training and earning money, plus gaining some great experience too."

beauty apprentice answering phone in beauty salonI didn’t know what I wanted to do when I finished my GCSEs. Most of my friends went on to do A Levels and I thought that was the only option for me. However, once I’d started them I just knew they weren’t right for me. I knew I wanted to be working and earning a wage instead.

I came across Apprenticeships on the College website. Once I had found out you could earn money and get a qualification at the same time, I wanted to find out more.

The College were great – really helpful and supportive. It’s great to know there is someone there to support you through the process.

So armed with everything I needed to know, I applied for the Beauty Apprenticeship and a position at Matisse. I couldn’t believe it when I was accepted!

I absolutely love my Apprenticeship and wish I’d started it sooner. My manager is lovely and the rest of the team are really supportive. We’ve formed some really good friendships.

The best part for me is that I am working full-time, training and earning money, plus gaining some great experience too. I get to talk to clients every day, something I never thought I’d be doing.

Working in the beauty industry requires me to be working to a very high standard. Each day I have to ensure that the salon is spotless and clean. I get to work on client’s nails and when I move on to the next Level, I will be able to do massages and facials which will be great. I will also be sent to London for a Clarins training week. I could never have imagined that I would be going to London for training!

To be a good Beauty apprentice you need to be good with people, able to form conversations and be polite. You also need to be neat and tidy, and ready to do anything.

Looking forward I would like to stay working at Matisse when I finish my Apprenticeship. I could even set-up my own business, who knows what the future holds.

If you’re thinking about doing an Apprenticeship I’d say do your research and really thinking about the route you want to go down. Be prepared to work hard, but it’s certainly rewarding in the end!