Madison Gillan
Modern Apprenticeship
Hairdressing
“Apart from the obvious of learning how to deal with people professionally, it has also helped me on a personal level with my own self-confidence.”
Madison works as a junior hairdresser for Smoke & Mirrors Hairdressing based in Aberdeen. She has always been interested in the profession as her aunt was a hairdresser and at school she enjoyed creative arts subjects and working with her hands.
On study leave from school Madison had a two week trial at the salon to see if this was the route that she wanted to go down and if she was suited to the career. It worked out for her and she enrolled onto the apprenticeship training programme.
Madison attended NESCol’s Aberdeen Campus on a day release basis over 2 years to learn the knowledge behind the skills required to complete her Level 2 Hairdressing qualification as well as to complete assessments.
The apprenticeship however delivered more than just new hairdressing skills.
Madison said, “Apart from the obvious of learning how to deal with people professionally, it has also helped me on a personal level with my own self-confidence. Ever since leaving school I have been able to find myself, my own style in my own way, so it has helped me emotionally as well.”
As well as the learning process Madison has enjoyed attending product and technique courses and meeting up with colleagues from around Scotland.
Madison has been shortlisted as finalist within the NESCol Apprentice of the Year award.