Hairdressing has been a constant in my working life. I started as an apprentice at the age of 16. By the age of 21 I was teaching Hairdressing NVQ Levels 1, 2 & 3 for County Training. I did this for seven years, working my way up to Salon Supervisor in Ludlow and Wellington. During my years at County Training I was an important part of delivering the Level 1 Provision to 14 - 16 year old's in Telford.

I have been in the Hairdressing industry over 30 years and I have owned my own successful business for 23 years. Over the past 9 years I have concentrated on delivering training for the hair and beauty industry allowing me to keep up an assessment practice. I have a passion for Hairdressing and teaching and love watching learners progress in our industry. I am now excited to be developing our construction and vehicle maintenance offer to our schools in Shropshire and Telford as well as post-16 learners.

I started my hairdressing career when I left school at 16 when I attended County Training and carried out an NVQ Level 2 in hairdressing. I worked at a few salons situated in Shrewsbury town centre. In 2015 I started my career in Barbering and worked at a Barbers for approximately 3 years before leaving and joining the team here at RENU Training Academy.

I started working at RENU in 2019. I started out Teaching and Assessing NVQ Level 2 & 3 in hairdressing. Since starting I have successfully completed numerous courses and qualifications including my Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing, Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance, and my Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.

September 2023, I became Education Manager. Within this role I oversee all Hair, Beauty, Construction, Vehicle maintenance and Catering delivery within schools around Shropshire. Focusing predominantly on pre-16 learners.

As of November 2024 I am now a director of RENU Training Academy and my new role is Education Director. I am passionate about supporting all people, no matter what age, to gain the skills and knowledge needed so they live a fulfilling career.

From a young age, I was passionate about working with horses, which led me to study at Rodbaston College in Staffordshire at the age of 16. There, I achieved a National Diploma in Horse Studies as well as British Horse Society Stages 1–3. After gaining practical experience on a dressage yard, I realised my career ambitions were shifting, and I chose to pursue my interest in English by completing a degree at the University of Wolverhampton.

Following graduation, I explored a range of career opportunities before finding my true passion in education and working with young people. I began teaching English and mathematics at North Shropshire College, where I gained valuable classroom experience and a deeper understanding of how education can shape learners’ futures. After a period working in the waste management sector, I was drawn back to teaching, delivering an Access to Higher Education programme for adults.

My career then took me into a care setting in Whitchurch, where I taught English for two years. This role not only allowed me to support learners academically but also highlighted the importance of pastoral care. It was through this experience that I developed a strong commitment to supporting the holistic needs of learners, recognising that emotional and social wellbeing is vital to success.

In September, I joined Renu as Post-16/Pastoral Lead, with additional responsibility as Safeguarding Lead. My role centres on supporting learners across our sites, ensuring they are listened to, valued, and provided with the opportunities they need to achieve their goals in their chosen vocational pathways. I am passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every learner can thrive, both personally and academically.

I’m delighted to be joining the team, bringing with me over 14 years’ experience working across residential children’s homes and local authority services.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a range of Quality Assurance, Residential Management and Senior Leadership roles, supporting providers to strengthen quality, compliance, safeguarding and leadership. I have a particular passion for helping services prepare for Ofsted inspections, respond effectively to regulatory requirements and, most importantly, create positive and sustainable cultures where children and young people can thrive.

I’m a practical and people-focused leader who enjoys working alongside teams to identify areas for improvement, share knowledge and support meaningful change.

Outside of work, family is very important to me and I enjoy spending time with them at weekends. I’m also a big fan of police dramas and crime programmes! Football has always been a huge part of my life — I previously played for Wolves Women and Stoke City Ladies. These days, I’m a proud Liverpool supporter and enjoy watching the games whenever I can.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone, contributing to the team and being part of the next chapter with RENU.

Beauty / Hair and beauty / Assessors / Teaching

When I left school, I went on to complete my A levels. I have an A level in English language and literature, I also have an A level in Art.

I am qualified in Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy and have worked as a nail technician for 9 years within a salon. I always ensure that I am keeping up with the latest trends and treatments within the Beauty industry.

I have worked in salons, spas and clinics. I love this industry and I have always wanted to become a tutor to pass on my knowledge, skills and passion. In 2023 I joined RENU to fulfil my passion in teaching, I am enjoying passing on my skills and knowledge and helping learners reach their goals.

Since joining RENU I have completed my Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, Level 1 Hairdressing as well as my Level 3 Award in Education and Training. I am currently working towards my Level 4 Teaching and my level 4 IQA qualification.

Level 3 Hairdressing

I began my career in hairdressing immediately after leaving school, starting with work experience in a salon which quickly progressed into a full-time position. I went on to achieve a Diploma Level 2 in Hairdressing, NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing, Diploma Level 2 in Barbering, Level 2 in Retail in Hairdressing, and completed my studies with a Diploma Level 3 in Hairdressing.

With over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, I have developed strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills, alongside the ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time within the industry; however, after starting my family, I felt inspired to transition into a role where I could use my experience to positively influence others, share my knowledge, and support individuals in reaching their full potential.

To support this career progression, I achieved my Level 3 Assessor qualification and Level 3 Award in Education and Training. I have since progressed into my role at Renu Training, where I am committed to continuously developing my skills, expanding my knowledge, and maintaining the highest standards in teaching and learning.

Hair and Beauty

I am a qualified hairdresser, having successfully completed both my Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ in Hairdressing since leaving school. I continue to apply and develop my practical skills by providing hair services for family and friends, maintaining a high standard of work and professionalism.

Alongside this, I have gained valuable experience working with learners with special educational needs in a SEN school in Shrewsbury. This role has strengthened my communication, patience, and adaptability, enabling me to support individuals with a range of needs effectively.

I am a caring and motivated individual who is passionate about helping others. I take great pride in supporting people to build confidence, develop their skills, and achieve their full potential. I am now looking to further develop my career in a role where I can combine my practical abilities with my enthusiasm for supporting and working with others. I am currently working towards my level 4 Teaching and Assessing, alongside my level 1 Beauty qualification.