From Work Experience to Assistant Manager: Beauty Therapy Apprentice Climbs the Career Ladder at Ivy House

Former North Notts College Beauty Therapy student Ashleigh Cameron has seen her career take-off since undertaking an initial 72 hours of work placement at Ivy House in Old Gateford just over two years ago.

Ashleigh first started at the Ivy House as part of the Level 2 Beauty Therapy courses work placement in June 2018. Ashleigh was expecting to complete her placement and return to College in September. However, she made such an impression that she continued working at Ivy House throughout the summer, and secured an apprenticeship at the salon.

Now, less than a year after completing the Advanced Apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy Ashleigh has been promoted to Assistant Manager at the busy salon.

Ashleigh says: “I’m really happy here, and I’m learning so much about the industry and gaining so much experience. A while ago the management of the salon changed and Debbie must have seen something in me as she has given me this opportunity. When I first started she was so supportive, I was really shy, and Debbie shared so much of her knowledge to help get me through my apprenticeship and grow my confidence.”

As well as furthering her skills in beauty treatments Ashleigh has immersed herself in the business side of running a salon and has stepped up to run the social media account for Ivy House, and helps and supports the team of therapists at the salon with their own social media accounts.

Ashleigh said: “People think that Beauty Therapy is an easy course, but it’s not! There is so much to learn, and it’s more than just how to carry out treatments, there is a lot of theory too. You’ve got to be really dedicated and passionate about what you do.

“I was really lucky to have the support of Debbie at work and Sue Craven at College, they both really helped me with areas that I wasn’t confident in. Sue was always a friendly face and really supportive when I was worried or thought I was struggling with something. She shared so much of her knowledge and that really helped me.

“Now I try to help others and pass on my knowledge. I’ve been delivering training recently in waxing treatments, spray tanning and facials and helping others in the way that Debbie and Sue helped me.”

North Notts College Curriculum Team Leader for Hair and Beauty Sue Craven taught Ashleigh throughout her Level 2 course and her apprenticeship.

Sue said: “I’m so proud of Ashleigh. She worked really hard at College and on her apprenticeship and has really made the best of the opportunity. It was fantastic to see her confidence grow as her knowledge and skills improved.

“She is a perfect example for our current and future Hair and Beauty students of where hard work and dedication can take you; from starting her Level 2 course three years ago to landing a management role today shows that opportunities are there if you work hard.”

Find out more about our Hair and Beauty courses and apprenticeships.