Oliwia Lewicka

Oliwia works as a junior hairdresser for Blueberry Moon Hair salon in Aberdeen. She has just completed her Level 3 Hairdressing qualification through the Modern Apprenticeship route.

Oliwia knew that Hairdressing was for her after successfully enjoying her part time Saturday job in a salon whilst at school. She has just completed her Level 3 Hairdressing qualification through the Modern Apprenticeship route.

She said, “I opted to go down the apprenticeship route rather than a full time college course because I thought I would learn better on the job. This involved attending College one day a week to learn the theoretical side of things – the rest of the time I was based in the salon. This has meant that I’ve been able to develop my practical skills consistently from the very beginning.”

The highlights of the apprenticeship for Oliwia included meeting her fellow classmates and the sharing of experiences together and the support from her tutors. She also participated in a national skills competition based in Blackpool so she got to experience “the big wows”.

Oliwia explained that this career often appears easier than the reality.

“When you go into hairdressing at first it may seem very easy. Although you don’t need qualifications it is so much harder than it looks. It’s commitment, it’s hard work, it’s remembering, it’s being creative, it’s always knowing what you want as a finished look. As long as you are prepared for this then I would encourage anyone to go for it.”

Oliwia intends to stay at her current salon.

She said, “I just love it! I enjoy my day to day job – it doesn’t feel like a job more like a hobby. It’s good fun and the dream is just to continue that.”

Oliwia has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2021 NESCol Apprentice of the Year awards.