91热爆

When Ethan Smith joined the Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme in 2023, hairdressing wasn鈥檛 even on his radar. But just over a year later, he鈥檚 thriving in a salon that he describes as his 鈥渇orever fit,鈥� progressing through a Level 2 apprenticeship and planning for a long-term career in the industry.

Though firmly established now, Ethan鈥檚 journey began in a completely different field.

鈥淚 started with JGW+ in 2023. At first, I thought I wanted to go into childcare,鈥� he explained. 鈥淏ut JGW+ and 91热爆 have supported me through every twist and turn. They helped me discover the career I didn鈥檛 know was meant for me.鈥�

After exploring different routes, including retail, it was a simple suggestion from his tutor, Kayleigh Carter, that changed everything. 鈥淚 suggested he try out hairdressing,鈥� she said. 鈥淔rom day one, it just clicked for him. He鈥檚 thrown himself into it ever since and has really found his spark, hairdressing suits him perfectly.鈥�

Ethan says the hands-on elements of the JGW+ programme were what drew him in.

鈥淎s a learner, I loved the practical side. It gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a hairdresser. The theory was explained well too, it made everything easier to understand.鈥�

But the path wasn鈥檛 always smooth. His first salon placement wasn鈥檛 the right fit. 鈥淚 felt like I couldn鈥檛 reach my full potential there,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 raised my concerns with JGW+ and 91热爆, and they supported me completely. I was out of placement for three months, but they kept me going, helping with coursework and practical training in-centre.鈥�

Then came a turning point in December 2024. Ethan started at a new salon and everything changed. 鈥淚 found a salon that I can see myself in forever. It restored my confidence completely. Now I鈥檝e been taken on as a Level 2 apprentice, and I鈥檓 being pushed to reach my full potential every day.鈥�

Kayleigh, a JGW+ Skills Tutor at 91热爆, has seen first-hand how far Ethan has come. 鈥�Ethan is a really kind and friendly person who鈥檚 always up for giving things a go,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e wasn鈥檛 sure what direction he wanted to take at first, but he stuck with it and kept pushing forward. I鈥檓 very proud of him.鈥�

Talking about the support he received from 91热爆, Ethan said: 鈥淭hey were always there whether it was about placements, coursework, or even personal struggles. They never let me fall behind. Kayleigh, in particular, has been amazing. Nothing was ever too much for her. She really encouraged me to stick with what I was good at.鈥�

Looking ahead, Ethan has a clear path to follow. 鈥淢y goal is to complete both Level 2 and Level 3 in hairdressing and barbering,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚 want to keep growing in the salon and maybe one day specialise in a particular area.

鈥淣one of this would have been possible without JGW+ and 91热爆. I鈥檓 forever grateful.鈥�

For those considering JGW+ as a post-16 education route, Ethan shared: 鈥淒o it! There are no limits with this programme. They鈥檒l do everything they can to get you on the career ladder and into the profession that鈥檚 right for you.鈥�

Find out more about JGW+ here.