Middlesbrough College Hairdressing student Lydia Southern has impressed her T Level placement employer, The Baker Street Salon and has been offered employment as a result of her hard work, dedication and talent.
Level 3 Hairdressing student Lydia has always dreamed of being a hairdresser since she was a child. Now, she is one step closer to fulfilling her career goals, thanks to Middlesbrough College’s T Level programme.
T Levels are a brand new 2-year Level 3 programme that help students to build the future that they want. Students spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% of their time in the workplace, putting the skills that they have learnt in the classroom into action. Every T Level student takes an industry placement that lasts at least 45 days, allowing students to gain valuable experience in the workplace.
Lydia said: “My auntie was a huge inspiration for me when I was younger as she was a hairdresser and I always wanted to follow in her footsteps and become a stylist. When I first visited Middlesbrough College, I knew it was the perfect place for me to study and to make my dream a reality.
“Everyone at the College has been so supportive of me and helped me to achieve. I’ve really enjoyed studying my course and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete an industry placement at The Baker Street Salon. I’ve been studying at the College and completing my work placement with the salon as part of my programme- it’s been an amazing experience!
“My confidence has grown, I’ve met new people, developed my skills and learnt new techniques. I’m over the moon that I’ve secured employment at The Baker Street Salon. All the hard work has paid off!
“I’m so excited for the future and can’t wait to see where my career will take me.”
The Baker Street Salon is owned by married couple Tony and Sarah Gallagher who have been in the hair industry for over thirty years.
Sarah Gallagher, Salon Owner and Manager said: “It has been an absolute pleasure having Lydia on her T Level placement. She has grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has been a huge help in the salon.
“I would absolutely recommend taking on a T Level placement. It’s been so refreshing working with Middlesbrough College. The process has worked well for us, and we are delighted that Lydia is progressing in our business. We have no doubt that she will continue to flourish in her career.”
Matthew Chan, Lydia’s Industry Placement Co-ordinator and Programme Assessor said: “The main objective of the T Level programme is to develop learners’ employability and technical skills in the workplace. Lydia has worked hard and has thrived on her placement- she has a stellar career ahead of her.
“It has been wonderful working with The Baker Street Salon. The Salon have been brilliant at providing opportunities for young people and are extremely supportive of our learners.”
