Bolton College has celebrated yet another successful National Apprenticeship Week.

2018’s event started with the College’s hairdressing apprentices showcasing their cutting, styling and colouring skills to an audience of employers for the annual Apprentice Hair Showcase.

The apprentices received advice and guidance throughout the day from Dan Taylor, owner of the hugely successful Taylor and Taylor Salon chain and Tanya Green, Wella’s North West Technical Field Educator and colour expert.

On-trend styles, cuts and colours were created for the spring and summer seasons, with apprentices explaining the inspiration for their models’ hairstyles; Beth McGlynn detailed how she had been inspired by reality TV star Khloe Kardashian’s full head of highlights.   

Dan ended the evening with a masterclass in colouring and styling. Sophia Patel, Salon Manager of Noggis Hairdressing and there to support apprentice Hannah Sutton said, “I’m so impressed with what the apprentices have achieved, I really enjoyed the show and Dan’s masterclass”. 

Wednesday saw would-be apprentices visiting the College for ‘Pathways to Apprenticeships’. A team of Advisors were on hand to give advice and guidance, as well as offering skills reviews, tips on interview techniques and access to a host of Apprenticeship job vacancies. 

On Wednesday and Thursday Adam Corbally, star of the BBC’s The Apprentice, joined Bolton College’s Ian Littlewood for a tour of local secondary schools. Adam was named by the Radio Times as the favourite Apprentice candidate of all time, and he inspired the pupils when he discussed his unconventional route to commercial success.

Next up was Apprentice for the Day, with intrepid members of Bolton College’s Senior Management Team going back to basics, shadowing an apprentice in either their workplace or College. First up was Karen Westsmith, Director of Adult and Community, followed by Jane Marsh, Director of HR, respectively trying out a spot of plumbing and joinery. Carl Hosker, Director of Estates, worked as a Body Repair Technician in the College’s motor vehicle workshop whilst Garry Westwater, Director of Finance, tested out his customer service skills on the reception desk in the College’s construction block.

Director of Apprenticeships, Kate Wallace, returned to her roots when she visited barbershop Head Kandi, to work alongside apprentice Sean Parker. Kate started her career in the hairdressing business, so was delighted to use some of her old skills. 

The week drew to a close on Friday with Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College, taking time out of his schedule to work alongside Level 2 Business Administration apprentices, Lucy Scott-Rushton and Hamza Vaid, members of the College’s Business Development Team.  

Bill said, “What a way to end the week. Apprentices are a valuable asset to any company and whilst Apprentice for the Day was fun, it also gave senior management a chance to step into our apprentice’s shoes and understand their experiences, so that we can continue to provide valuable and varied Apprenticeship opportunities within College.”

To find out more about the Apprenticeships we offer, please click here.

To view the photos from the week, click on the links below.

• Hairdressing Show

• Apprentice for a Day 1

• Apprentice for a Day 2

• Apprentice for a Day 3

• Apprentice for a Day 4

• Adam Corbally School Visits