Emma Sutcliffe, Hairdressing
What does Emma think?
If you're considering a Full-Time course but not sure if it's for you, read Emma's story to hear her experience.
Emma Sutcliffe, age 30
Hairdressing, Level 3
"Since leaving school I have concentrated bringing up my four children, however I decided it was about time I did something for me. I had always wanted to do hairdressing, so grabbed the opportunity to get back into education with both hands.
Becoming a mum so young had caused me to feel lonely, but coming to college has really affected me, in a positive way. I’ve met people just like me who are in similar situations and the experience has given me heaps of confidence.
The first day was the hardest part, just having enough determination to come through the front door. Once through them though, I had no idea how much it would change my life.
“I can’t recommend the college, this course and getting back into education enough. It’s not a small change in your life, it’s life changing.”
There are aspects of the course that I do struggle with. For example a lot of the work is computer based which I’ve had to get my head around. However there’s plenty of support and it’s meant that I’ve gained a lot of new skills which will be really beneficial in the future.
The bit I’ve enjoyed the most is definitely the practical part as we’ve been able to apply our leaning on clients in the college’s commercial salon – Flaunt. We’ve also been on trips including to the Wella studios in London for demonstrations and to learn new techniques.
Once I’ve finished I want to set up my own mobile hairdressing business so I can fit it around the children. This will present me with all sorts of new challenges as I need to learn how to set up a business and how to market myself. I could never have even thought this would be possible two years ago!
The whole experience has definitely affected my children in a positive way. They can see me studying and it’s inspired my youngest daughter to want to become a hairdresser. Knowing your children are proud of you gives you a huge amount of pride.
I can’t recommend the college, this course and getting back into education enough. It’s not a small change in your life, it’s life changing."