Apprentice cutting it to win it

Apprentice cutting it to win it

November 24, 2021

A talented Gateshead College beauty apprentice is a cut above the rest after scooping two awards at the British Hair and Beauty Awards.

Chantelle Turnbull who works at Sparkle Beauty in Gateshead received the Gold Award in the Rising Star of the Year category as well as being awarded the prestigious national Apprentice of the Year title.

Chantelle said: “I felt proud and honoured to be crowned winner of 2 gold awards. Tere were so many great hair and beauty apprentices at the awards, that I thought it was going to be so hard to choose one overall winner. When my name was announced, I was speechless and it didn’t seem real. I feel so proud to see my certificates displayed in the salon.”

As part of her apprenticeship, Chantelle spends a day in college studying for her Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Advanced Beauty Therapy.

She said: “My favourite part of coming to college has been the practical side, where I can try new treatments out that I’ve never done before and it’s also great to get some top tips from my tutor. I also love working alongside other girls my age and seeing how they like the industry and what they are doing different to me.”

When she’s working in Sparkle Beauty, Chantelle provides her own clients with various beauty treatments including facials, pedicures and nail art.

Owner Julie Barras said: “Chantelle is so passionate about her job and the beauty industry, she contributes to the effective running of the salon, delivers amazing treatments, has a willingness to learn and will try her hand at anything. I’m so lucky to have found such a willing member of staff. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She’s an asset to our team and I wanted her to be recognised for all her hard work.”

The salon also scooped a number of awards at the ceremony including a Silver for the Best Workplace Environment of the Year and a Bronze for owner Julie Barras in the Entrepreneur of the Year category. Cutting it to win it Chantelle has this advice for anyone thinking about an apprenticeship: “Just go for it 100%. You are still learning at college, but you will also get a feel of what it’s like in the workplace, while earning a wage. It’s great being able to build yourself up and set goals to work towards.”


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