M any young people are not cut out for academic life and find themselves, as teenagers, keen to get out into the working world. Pathways to maturity for young people mostly lead through expensive courses and have a delayed access to wages. It is not surprising then, or unwise, for 16 to 18 year olds to consider alternatives this summer. For those that like working with their hands, have an interest in fashion and enjoy dealing with people there are real opportunities to learn a skill, continue to achieve work related qualifications AND get paid. At the end of that particular road, they can look forward to a job, a universally in demand trade and an NVQ. As a community we should be welcoming, encouraging and supporting young people to make such practical and positive steps. That is precisely what is on offer from the team at Shears Hairdressing Academy based in Catford. They support their young people in finding a placement and give them the opportunity to learn all the skills they will need to be ‘work ready’. “You will gain an insight into career paths, and move on to the Apprenticeship of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to get the best of both worlds, you gain work experience and a qualification at the same time. What more could you want?”Pauline Booker, Managing Director at Shears, said. Signing up for an Apprenticeship is free for 16 to 18 year olds and while trainees study for their NVQ they gain experience working in the hairdressing business. Most of the training takes place at work, with attendance at Shears professionally fitted training salon one day each week, paid at the National Minimum Wage Apprenticeship rate (currently £3.70 per hour). The Shears Academy team is there to help every step of the way, and committed, hardworking individuals can aim to be a qualified Hair Professional within just 18 months. LEARNING EARNING &Academic learning does not suit all young people and suitable alternatives can be difficult to find so we looked into an Apprenticeship scheme available in south east London. by mel hutton Busy trainees learning together Alice, a success story from the Shears Academy ABOUT SHEARS ACADEMY @ SE6 The education team at Shears Academy are experts in hairdressing training; offering a professional salon standard environment with real clients, they teach, motivate, support and inspire young people to reach their full potential and become one of the successful hairdressers of the future. * Hairdressing Level 2 & 3 * Barbering Level 2 & 3 * Self-Funded City & Guilds/NVQ courses * Bespoke hairdressing/ barbering courses * Assessor/TAQA Qualification 16 THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Summer 2018 | S T Y L E & S H O P P I N G |