The student becomes the educator! 

Chloe-Mae King has come a long way since she completed her studies at Leicester College around 11 years ago. She came to the College with no qualifications and undiagnosed dyslexia, and ended up with a degree.

Chloe-Mae now works for herself as a fully qualified hairdresser and is launching a new education initiative to train future generations of hairdressers.

‘Giving me the tools to succeed’

Chloe-Mae takes up the story: “Although I was highly dyslexic, it was never picked up at school and I couldn’t get help for what I needed. Leicester College really helped - they gave me a head start in learning about my dyslexia so that I can use it as my superpower!

“As well as GCSEs, I took an NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Hairdressing with the theory side in the College and the practical training with George’s Hairdressing in Leicester.

“Whilst at Leicester College, I won awards for Apprentice of the Year and Innovation in Apprenticeship. This was big for me as I couldn’t do maths or English when I applied. They saw the best in me and helped me to turn it around. They believed in me and gave me the tools to succeed.

“I then went on to complete a degree course in hair colour with L'Oréal Professionnel, where I was one of the first to qualify with a 97% pass rate.

“After working full-time at George’s after qualifying, I went self-employed around two years ago to work for myself. I had a wait list after six months of leaving George’s and have a chair at the Hair Den at Stoughton Grange, near Oadby in Leicestershire.”

Education is key for future generations of hairdressers

Chloe-Mae continues: “My mum is also a hairdresser and we’ve found that a lot of people don’t understand how technical it all is. I’m very much into self-development and with apprenticeships in hairdressing down by 83%, I decided to get involved in education to help the sector that I love.

“I’ve been through education training and am now teaching on the Beauty Therapy VRQ course with three different groups within Leicester College. I am also launching my own education initiative where I’ll be delivering 1:1 coaching for existing hairdressers.

“As well as upskilling qualified hairdressers, we also need to bridge the gap so when people leave their apprenticeship, they are given the tools, experience and a strong foundation to continue with hairdressing as a future career.

“I’m looking to pass on the benefits of my own education, making sure that people have the platform to learn their skills and boost the perception of hairdressing as a great career choice.”