One of our Hairdressing apprentices has won a regional title and placed third for a national award after only entering the industry just over a year ago.
Holly Oldfield, who is completing her Level 2 Hairdressing apprenticeship with us, came first in the Yorkshire and Humber region in the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category at the 2023 UK Hair and Beauty Awards, and third nationally.
“For me, representing Yorkshire and the Humber meant a lot. I think coming from a small town and a low-income family, having a title like that feels very meaningful and I hope it encourages others to apply for awards like these no matter where they come from.”
Holly received the good news at the red-carpet award ceremony in Birmingham, which she was surprised to even be attending after still feeling very new to her industry.
Holly had only entered a year’s worth of portfolio work to the competition and had only ever worked on her own hair before joining her course at College and becoming an apprentice at Palmowski Hair Design in Wath upon Dearne.
It was Holly’s employer, Natalie Palmowski, who encouraged her to enter the competition, after Natalie had won Hair Stylist of the Year at last year’s awards.
Holly said: “In the moment, when I won, I felt so shocked.
“For me, representing Yorkshire and the Humber meant a lot. I think coming from a small town and a low-income family, having a title like that feels very meaningful and I hope it encourages others to apply for awards like these no matter where they come from.
“It feels amazing. To think I placed third out of the whole UK feels like a dream. There were so many talented entries, so I feel extremely grateful to have been chosen.”
Holly shared how the support she has received from her College tutors throughout her course has been there whenever she needed it.
She continued: “I love my team and to get the chance to celebrate each other and all our hard work really made us feel great.
“My College tutors Jess Shaw and Claire Schofield have really helped me a lot throughout my course. They have always advised and supported me through everything.
“Even just from celebrating my first above shoulder cut, they’ve been my cheerleaders and have always given me 100 per cent of their support and attention, whenever I needed it.”
Holly has said her next steps are to complete her final assessment as part of her course at College, gain her qualification and continue working at the salon.
Claire Schofield, one of Holly’s Apprenticeship Trainers, added: “We are so proud of Holly for winning regionally and placing third out of the whole country, what an achievement.
“She should be extremely proud of the progress she’s made in such a short time, and I hope she continues putting in 100 per cent effort and showing everyone what she can do.
“We’d all like to congratulate her and we can’t wait to see what she does next.”
To browse the range of full and part-time Hair and Beauty courses and apprenticeships available to study at Barnsley College and to apply, visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk/hair
Last updated: 11th May 2023
Originally posted on: 11th May 2023