Sam Gyimah, MP for East Surrey, joined with East Surrey College to visit some of the thriving apprentices in the local area to find out more about the value of Apprenticeships. He commented:

"We used to have a strong tradition of apprenticeships in Britain, and a proper respect for practical skills, manual dexterity and craftsmanship. I think we need to restore this, and National Apprenticeship Week is a great way to showcase these talents".

Sam met two apprentices, Louise Thomson, 19 from Caterham, and Rebecca Wallace, 17 from Warlingham, at the Micka?l and Ludovic hair salon in Warlingham. Both girls approached the salon directly for the opportunity to start their apprenticeship with Micka?l and Ludovic and were directed to East Surrey College, Redhill where they now study one day per week for their apprenticeship.

Louise who is working towards her Advanced Apprenticeship in Hair (Level 3) has enjoyed every moment of her apprenticeship, and would recommend this route to any aspiring hairdresser.

"You gain a wealth of experience, including industry training, we've recently completed training with Swarskof to learn a variety of colouring techniques, which was great.

Mickaél and Ludvovic spend a lot of time training us and take it very seriously as our work reflects upon them. Learning different skills from them and from the college allows us to be more creative as hairdressers, which at Level 3 is vital to ensure that you can create a look unique to your client"

Rebecca, who is studying her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, said that the confidence you gain working in a salon is invaluable to the development of your career.

"We have to work with full paying clients every day, so as well as learning the technical elements of cutting hair you also build up vital communication skills. Obviously each client wants different things and you have to work with the client to see what's best for them and their hair."

As well as gaining their qualification through their Apprenticeship, both girls have been guaranteed they will retain their jobs at the salon at the end of their training.

Sam was very impressed with the commitment that the apprentices give to their work and to their study and would encourage local businesses to invest in apprenticeships to help their business grow in the future.

"Building a skilled workforce is going to be a crucial part of forging an economy based on sustainable growth, and apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to both individuals and employers to achieve this - small businesses should really be looking to take on apprentices".

National Apprenticeship Week aims to highlight the talent and skill of apprentices and celebrate the value of Apprenticeships.

East Surrey College supports those looking to start an Apprenticeship and local employers wanting to hire apprentices. They are available to offer advice and guidance about the benefits of apprenticeships and the routes into it. To find out more contact the Employer Services Team at East Surrey College on telephone 01737 788316 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.