Jonathan De Francesco

Age: 17
Employed at? Cudmore & Co
Finished course? Early March
Job title: Junior Stylist
College studied at: Solihull College

Which VTCT-accredited course did you study?
I studied NVQ level 2 Hairdressing.

How long was the course?
It usually takes 18 months, but I worked extremely hard and managed to complete it in 6 months.

What made you decide to choose this course?
I chose this course because it gives me the full qualifications I require to practice hairdressing and means that I’m recognised as a qualified hairdresser.

Did you feel that everything included on the course was useful?
Yes, every aspect of the course was worthwhile as it taught me so much. It helped me understand each component of hairdressing and what being a successful hairdresser entails.

What part of the course did you enjoy most?
I most enjoyed the practical element of the course because I wanted to get stuck in and start working on clients straight away. I’m an extremely hands on person and find it hard to sit down for too long!

How do you think the course could be improved?
I think the course offered me everything I needed and sufficiently prepared me to obtain the qualifications.

What would you recommend other students do in order to get the most out of their course?
I would advise people to enjoy every minute of it, as I did. Make sure you get your head down while you’re studying to ensure you get the most out of it and you’ll do fine... I knuckled down and managed to win a national competition!

If you could go back and study at college again, is there anything you would do differently?
No, I think that by working hard and always applying myself I made the most out the time I had there - I wouldn’t change anything.

Can you tell me a bit more about the UK Hairdresser of the Year competition you recently won?
The competition was in three stages. First I had to send off a portfolio about myself and what I have done to date. The judges then shortlisted six people from the large number that entered. The second part entailed finishing a final look in 30 minutes in front of judges and spectators. Then I went for an interview and delivered a presentation and following that I had to answer questions. I was lucky as I got to go first for my interview… I hate waiting around for things to happen! We then presented our models and the winner was announced. When they announced my name, initially I didn’t realise but once I had I was overwhelmed and still cannot put into words how I feel!

How did you find out about it and what made you decide to enter?
Solihull College offered to enter me and when I saw what it entailed and the prizes I could win I really wanted to apply. I’m so glad I did – it should really help improve my kudos within the industry.

Do you think that your college training prepared you for the competition?
They were wonderful. They prepared me for every eventuality and I could not have been more organised. The training included on my vocational course also sufficiently prepared me.

Do you think the course provided you with skills you need for employment within the industry?
Yes, a large amount of skills and knowledge was taken on board, but to perfect what you’ve learned it really has to be practiced in salons on a daily basis.

What are you doing at present – employed/still studying? If still studying what do you plan to do after?
Currently I am working full time. I am looking to move to another salon which offers more potential and opportunities. This will hopefully give me the skills necessary to help fulfil my dream of owning a salon. I look to go back to college and complete my NVQ level three in Hairdressing and also take up a photography course to help with editorial work.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years time? Would you go back and study a VTCT course in the future to expand on your existing skills?
In ten years time I hope to own my own shop and to be part of artistic teams around the globe. I would definitely think of going back to college and expanding my skills!