From Apprentice to Confident Hairdresser
At Heart of England Training (HOET), we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of learners who have worked hard to develop their skills and progress their careers. One such learner is Maisie Smith, who recently completed her Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship while working at McMahon & Co Hairdressing.
Having started her apprenticeship in December 2024 and completing ahead of her planned end date in June 2026, Maisie’s journey is a fantastic example of how dedication, practical experience, and the right support can help apprentices thrive within their chosen industry.
Building Confidence and Professional Skills
Throughout her apprenticeship, Maisie balanced her training with her role at McMahon & Co Hairdressing, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a busy salon environment. Reflecting on her journey, she believes one of the biggest changes has been her growth in confidence and communication.
“Communication skills have been one of the biggest growth areas for me. Skills-wise, I’ve become more confident with everything. Having the support from the salon is always great if you’re a little unsure.”
Working closely with her HOET Educator, Simone Brown, Maisie was able to develop both her technical abilities and professional confidence, helping her prepare for a successful career in hairdressing.
Mastering the Art of Cutting
When asked which skill she is most proud of, Maisie didn’t hesitate.
“My cutting skills are what I’m most proud of. There was a lot more to learn than I expected. Angles and tension make such a difference when you’re doing a haircut.”
As her apprenticeship progressed, Maisie developed a deeper understanding of hair cutting techniques, learning how precision, technical knowledge and attention to detail can transform the final result for clients.
Her commitment to continually improving her craft enabled her to build confidence in one of the most important skills within the profession.
Learning Through a Flexible Approach
One of the aspects Maisie valued most about her apprenticeship was the way her learning was delivered.
“My favourite part of the apprenticeship was having the education in the salon and only going forward for assessments when I was ready.”
This approach allowed Maisie to build her skills in a familiar working environment while gaining practical experience every day. By applying her learning directly within the salon, she was able to progress at a pace that suited her and feel fully prepared when it came to assessment time.
Overcoming Challenges Along the Way
Like any apprenticeship, Maisie’s journey came with challenges. One of the biggest was finding enough models to practise on ahead of assessments.
Rather than allowing this to become a setback, Maisie took initiative and found a creative solution.
“Finding models was probably the most challenging part, but I advertised on Facebook to find people who were happy to help me practise.”
Her proactive attitude ensured she gained the practice she needed while building both her confidence and experience.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Drawing on her own experience, Maisie offers two key pieces of advice to new apprentices beginning their journey.
Firstly, stay organised with your Off-the-Job Training hours.
“Always keep your OTJ hours up to date. I used to make notes on my phone so I didn’t forget anything, then I could log them when I had time.”
Secondly, don’t underestimate the importance of looking after yourself.
“I wish I’d known how tiring an apprenticeship can be at times, so make sure you make time for rest and self-care.”
These simple but valuable tips helped Maisie stay on track throughout her programme and successfully complete her apprenticeship.
Looking Ahead
Having completed her Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship, Maisie remains employed with McMahon & Co Hairdressing and is continuing to build on the skills and experience she has gained.
Looking back on her apprenticeship journey, Maisie describes feeling:
“Fulfilled and proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Her story highlights the opportunities apprenticeships create for learners looking to develop professionally, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build successful careers within their chosen industry.
At Heart of England Training, we congratulate Maisie on her achievement and wish her every success for the future as she continues her career in hairdressing.
