YOUNG hairdresser Shanna-Lee Locker not only impresses her clients and colleagues, but has also won over the judges to be named South Australian school-based Apprentice of the Year for 2018.
Shanna-Lee’s career vision formed in Year 10 when she completed compulsory work experience at a local hair salon.
“Work experience helped me a lot, assisting in finding a job that suited me perfectly,” Ms Locker said.
“This led me to completion of Certificate II in Salon Assistance and work placement at James Gray Salon.
“Once my qualification was completed, I began a school-based apprenticeship at the salon and I have developed my skills and formed a strong client base.”
Ms Locker works part-time, successfully juggling Year 12 studies and her apprenticeship, as well as various leadership roles at school and in the community.
“I’m lucky, because I only miss out on one school day a week, meaning I can make up time for anything I miss,” Ms Locker said.
“It is surprising how much theory there is for hairdressing, it’s not just playing around with hair, we have to know what chemicals to use and the science behind it.
“It’s challenging balancing it with Year 12, but I know I have a lot of help if I need it.”
Finding hairdressing a diverse and interesting career, Ms Locker has strong aspirations for her future.
“It just branches out into many different things,” Ms Locker said.
“I love learning, so I want to expand beyond just hairdressing and also study beauty.
“As the salon also specialises in nails, makeup and waxing, these would be my main focus.”
Ms Locker would like to own her own salon one day, but knows she will need to finish her study first.
Working in a tight-knit business with just her boss and another employee, Ms Locker has flourished being surrounded by years worth of experience.
“They have both been really encouraging and have motivated me throughout my apprenticeship,” Ms Locker said.
Ms Locker believes school-based apprenticeships should be promoted more as she knew little about the program before becoming involved.
“Most people think they either have to finish Year 12 and go to university or drop out and complete an apprenticeship,” she said.
“When I talked to my VET coordinator at school, she mentioned a school-based apprenticeship and I realised it was the perfect option.
“You need to finish Year 12 now more than ever as it is the base for everything, but this option allowed me to get the career I wanted and also finish my final year at school.”
Ms Locker is now in the running for national regional apprenticeship of the year after winners were announced in November in the 2018 South Australian Training Awards.
The region also had success in the awards program with agricultural business Wickham Flower of Bordertown also named medium employer of the year for 2018.
