- 22 October 2026
Double Celebration for Kleek and Apprentice Amira at 2026 VTCT Awards
We’re SO proud to be celebrating a double success at the 2026 VTCT Skills Excellence Awards! Our Level 3 Hairdressing Apprentice, Amira Soleil from Saks Hair Wetherby, received a very special surprise award, while Kleek Apprenticeships was awarded Highly Commended in the Training Provider of the Year category!
The VTCT Skills Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of learners, educators and training providers across the UK, recognising excellence in vocational and technical education across 17 industry sectors, including hair and beauty. The awards shine a spotlight on the talent, dedication and achievements of individuals and organisations making a real difference in their industries.
Amira was originally shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year, but her inspiring story and incredible determination clearly struck a chord with the judges. In a lovely surprise, they presented her with a Judges’ Award for Inspiring Individual, a special first for the VTCT Skills Excellence Awards!
Amira’s journey is a truly special one. Having overcome significant personal, social and cultural challenges, she’s shown incredible courage and resilience, finding a passion for hairdressing and building a brighter future through her apprenticeship. Her story is a wonderful reminder that apprenticeships can change lives, opening up opportunities and helping people discover just what they’re capable of.
We couldn’t be happier to see Amira’s achievements recognised in this way. She thoroughly deserves it, and we hope she’s feeling every bit as proud of herself as we are of her!
Photo: Hairdressing Apprentice Amira Soleil pictured with VTCT Skills Excellence Awards Judges, receiving award.
More Success to Celebrate at Kleek!
And the success didn’t stop there! Kleek Apprenticeships was awarded Highly Commended in the Training Provider of the Year category. Another brilliant achievement for our team and a lovely recognition of the work we do to support our apprentices and salon partners across England.
A huge congratulations to Amira, and a big thank you to the team at Saks Hair Wetherby for being part of her journey. We’d also like to thank our incredible Kleek Apprenticeships team, whose hard work and dedication have been recognised with a Highly Commended accolade. What a moment to celebrate!
Photo: Senior Academy Manager Tegan pictured next to Amira Soleil with awards.
