Sophie Grocott aged 25, started her journey with Reflections Training Academy Birmingham in September 2010 just aged 14. Attending the young apprenticeship programme whilst at The Grace Academy. Sophie progressed on to the Study Programme in building her skills, confidence whilst gaining work placement.
This secured Sophie to progress onto her Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship and successfully complete her education with Reflections Training Academy completing her Level 3 Apprenticeship.
“I loved how Reflections training academy only focused on hairdressing /barbering, and felt I would learn more with you than anywhere else.”
Sophie explained that this route has always been an interest and going into the hairdressing industry at a young age she could really see herself having a successful career as long as she kept focused and worked hard. Sophie expresses how she gained essential skills while studying at Reflections Training Academy, she started off by gaining all the necessary basic knowledge of hairdressing for example shampooing, consultation and styling. This gained confidence in herself and her work, communicating with clients, multitasking and time management. She appreciated how her apprenticeship allowed her to work within her salon also how her training included the practical and theory elements and having the support of her tutors.
Sophie expresses how Lisa Neary, (Study Programme manager) helped her confidence grow and develop throughout her training and how Jason Timms (safeguarding officer) was always supportive and helpful towards her health and wellbeing.
“I have gained so much confidence with Reflections,
from starting here at a young age, from school to becoming
an adult. Reflections Training Academy encouraged me throughout my education.”
Sophie describes how her journey and progression as a hairdresser is constantly improving. How she started off as a junior stylist to progressing into a senior stylist and gained the understanding of different hair types.
Sophie now successfully owns her own salon located in Solihull called New image hair. This has been her greatest achievement and truly a dream come true to be an owner of a salon and work for herself, Sophie now employs Apprentices and relays all this valuable skills and experience gained.
“I would recommend Reflections Training Academy to anyone wanting to gain skills and knowledge of hairdressing or barbering. It is amazing! you get to work in a salon and train within the academy, by having theory and practical sessions with the tutors you get to prepare yourself to work within a salon.” Sophie explains how it is great how Reflections Training Academy come and do site visits at the salon while you are doing your apprenticeship to see your progression and see how you work within the salon environment.
What best advice would you give to anyone going in to this career now?
“Learn as much as you can, and really go for it.”