Beard grows from strength to strength: Apprentice goes from ‘Saturday Girl’ to part salon owner

Lisa Beard, 18, from Southend, started in the world of hairdressing as a Saturday girl aged 13, and now, only five years later is realising her dream by becoming part salon owner, thanks to her apprenticeship in hairdressing from the Central Training Group, Southend, part of The Nova Partnership for Apprenticeships and Skills, Essex’s largest provider of apprenticeships.

In those early years, Lisa enjoyed the salon environment but knew she wanted more than making cups of tea and sweeping up hair. Lisa said: “As soon as I finished school I contacted Central Training Group to start my training. I knew I needed the qualification to prove my hairdressing skills and knowledge to progress within my chosen career.”

Michelle Saward, Senior tutor at Central, said: “Lisa was enthusiastic, motivated and career driven, which paid off with Lisa completing her Apprenticeship 6 months early. Lisa, like many others, felt that since the industry-standard refurbishment at the London Road site, learning is more enjoyable and that it is much more like a commercial salon.”

Lisa added: “I really enjoyed training at Central Training Group because I was learning new techniques from tutors who have worked or still work in the industry, I loved training with others and was able to help friends in my group through my own knowledge and experience.”

Emma, Salon Owner of Finishing Touches said “Lisa started working with me at start of her apprenticeship and within months of her starting, Lisa’s confidence grew, her knowledge was perfected and the clients loved her.”

Lisa is now part owner of Finishing Touches, Southend, but the training hasn’t ended there. With sister Emma, she has enrolled onto an additional Level 2 NVQ Barbering course with Central. The barbering course has proven to be a great success, taught by Big Yin owner Adam Sloan, teaches; clipper over comb, wet shaving (on beards of course), scissor over comb and hair art.

Lisa said “I offer barbering service at Finishing touches but want to advance my skills base with this course and am finding it hugely enjoyable.”

Clearly with such determination and industry-recognised qualifications, Lisa aims to stay a cut above the competition.