From Apprentice to Salon Owner – Ollie’s Story

‘I began my hairdressing apprenticeship at Preston College in September 2020 and qualified as a professional hairdresser in 2023. My time at college was incredibly valuable and laid the foundations for everything I’ve achieved in my career so far.

Completing my apprenticeship during COVID came with challenges and some delays, but it ultimately strengthened my learning experience. It gave me extra time to build my confidence, deepen my technical knowledge, and truly focus on developing my skills. I learned not only how to become a better hairdresser, but also how to be adaptable, resilient, and professional – qualities that continue to support me every day.

The apprenticeship structure was the perfect balance of hands-on experience and classroom learning. Working in a real salon environment while attending college each week allowed me to immediately apply what I was taught. Being surrounded by experienced tutors, industry professionals, and other apprentices at the same stage of their journey created a supportive and inspiring environment. It helped me grow in confidence, work with a variety of clients, and refine my craft.

After achieving a Distinction in my hairdressing apprenticeship, I stayed on at the salon where I trained for a further six months to gain more experience. Soon after, I decided to take a leap of faith and become self-employed. It was a big step and a risk, but one that truly paid off.

I invested time and money into additional training – not only advancing my hairdressing techniques but also learning about social media, marketing, and how to successfully run a business. After two years of building my client base and growing my confidence, I proudly opened my own salon, Olliewood Hair. Having a space I can call my own has been one of my greatest achievements and has taught me more than I ever imagined about leadership, business, and customer care.

Although I’m proud of how far I’ve come, this is just the beginning. My long-term goal is to expand further, open additional salons, and eventually teach and mentor future generations of hairdressers.

Much of this ambition comes from the support and inspiration I received at Preston College – especially from my tutor Leanne. She encouraged me to be confident, authentic, and to believe in myself. Even after completing my apprenticeship, my tutors have remained supportive and always willing to offer advice, which shows how dedicated they are to their students’ success.

Choosing Preston College was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me the skills, confidence, and foundation to build the career and business I have today, and I’m excited to continue growing and giving back to the industry that’s given me so much.’