- 15 January 2025
EMILY DAVIES SHARES HER JOURNEY OF PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, DETAILING THE VALUABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE THAT HELPED GUIDE HER CAREER FROM AN APPRENTICE TO A MANAGERIAL ROLE.
- Tell us about your journey from a Kleek apprentice into a salon manager.
I began my apprenticeship working at Regis Nantwich when I left school in August 2017. Each week I went to Chester for training in the salon, where I learned all the basics of hairdressing. Training at a salon within the global Regis hairdressing brand family was a fantastic experience.
I had a wonderful time completing my Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships with my educator Christina and Kleek Apprenticeships. After that, I worked at Regis Nantwich for two more years.
Then I took a six-month break to consider exploring a different career path. But I soon realised that hairdressing is my passion, so I returned to hairdressing and became the manager of the Regis Nantwich salon.
- What advice would you give aspiring apprentices starting a career in hair and beauty?
It’s important to love the industry you’re working in, so if hair and beauty are truly your passions, then it’s definitely the career for you! And always keep learning and striving to improve, as this will help you become the best version of yourself. Never give up and always pursue your dreams in whatever form they take within the sector.
- How did Kleek Apprenticeships (formerly Saks Education) and your Educator help you on your road to success?
My educator was amazing. She supported me throughout my Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, making the courses both fun and enjoyable. I always knew I could rely on her for any problems or questions. The training provided by Kleek Apprenticeships has given me a wonderful foundation to build my career from.
- What do you love most about your job and why?
I love my job because I get to work with amazing people and help them feel better about themselves. I really enjoy mentoring our salon’s apprentices now too, as it is so rewarding and it makes me happy to be a role model for them, just like Christina was for me. Watching them thrive really brightens my day!
- How important are apprentices to you in building your salon team, following your training experience?
Apprentices are the future of the hair and beauty industry. They play a crucial role in supporting the team and their contributions do not go unnoticed in my salon. I believe it is essential to offer the same opportunities to the younger generation that I received while working with the Regis team. Additionally, I am committed to providing them with their essential training through Kleek Apprenticeships.
- And why do you value apprenticeships over a college route?
I believe that choosing the apprenticeship route was the right decision for me because I learn best through hands-on experience. This approach allowed me to gain valuable real-life skills while working with people in practical situations. Additionally, during my apprenticeships, I had the opportunity to advance within the Regis Group. I realize that if I had attended college, I would have faced challenges in achieving this, as I wouldn’t have acquired the essential experience I needed.
