At Heart of England Training, we are proud to celebrate the success of our apprentices — and Erin Briggs is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with dedication, talent, and the right support.
Working at Headlines Creative, Erin has successfully completed her Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship, achieving a full distinction in her End-Point Assessment (EPA) — and reaching this milestone early thanks to the addition of a hair extensions unit, showcasing an advanced and well-rounded skillset.
Turning Creativity into a Career
For Erin, hairdressing has always been more than just a career option — it’s been a long-standing passion.
“Growing up, this is something I wanted to do. I have always been creative and giving an impact to someone’s life by giving them a special service and making them feel good.”
This passion has been key to her success, driving her commitment to learning, improving, and delivering a high standard of service to every client.
Building Skills in a Real Salon Environment
Throughout her apprenticeship at Headlines Creative, Erin developed both her technical ability and professional confidence in a real working salon.
She highlights the importance of teamwork and continuous learning as a core part of her experience:
“Learning new skills, improving knowledge more, meeting new people and being part of a team.”
Like many apprentices, Erin faced challenges when starting from scratch — but with structured training and regular feedback, she was able to overcome these barriers and continue progressing:
“Learning from scratch, however with the right feedback and guidance this has helped me along the way.”
Delivering Exceptional Client Care
A key part of any successful hair professional is the ability to build strong client relationships and adapt to individual needs — something Erin has demonstrated throughout her journey.
“I learnt that every client is different, treat everyone equally and always be welcoming.”
One particularly meaningful moment came when supporting a client with additional needs:
“I had a client who had autism, I made the environment and service very comfortable and she left happy.”
This reflects not only Erin’s technical ability but also her professionalism, empathy, and understanding of inclusive client care — qualities highly valued by employers.
Advanced Skills and Early Achievement
Erin’s journey stands out through her proactive approach to development. By completing a hair extensions unit, she was able to expand her skillset beyond the core apprenticeship standard — a key differentiator that enabled her to reach her End-Point Assessment (EPA) early.
Her hard work culminated in a full distinction, demonstrating both her technical excellence and readiness for the industry.
Proud Moments and Professional Growth
Reflecting on her achievements, Erin highlights the satisfaction of seeing her work transform clients’ hair:
“I am proud of myself for colour correcting and restyles. Seeing the hair being transformed made the challenges worth it.”
Beyond technical skills, her apprenticeship has supported significant personal development:
“It has made me more confident in the industry, using my own initiative and believing in myself.”
“I have learnt that my communication skills and confidence have improved throughout.”
A Strong Foundation for Future Success
Looking ahead, Erin plans to continue building her experience and growing a loyal client base — a natural next step following such a successful start to her career.
Her journey reflects the long-term value of apprenticeships in developing skilled, confident professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.
Why Employers Choose Apprenticeships
Erin’s success is a clear example of the impact a well-supported apprenticeship can have — not just for the individual, but for the employer too.
With ongoing support from Heart of England Training, Erin highlights the importance of structured guidance:
“I would recommend Heart of England Training because I have had ongoing training throughout my course. They have been nothing but support and clear with what I need to achieve.”
For employers, this means:
- Confident, work-ready staff
- Industry-relevant skills development
- Employees who are invested in their career progression
- High-quality training aligned with business needs
Conclusion
Erin Briggs’ journey is one to be celebrated — from a passion for creativity to achieving a full distinction in her Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship, enhanced by specialist skills in hair extensions.
Her story highlights the power of apprenticeships in developing talent, building confidence, and delivering real value in the workplace.
