A local businesswoman is excited to be returning to run the hospital hair and beauty salon she carried out her training in as she kick-starts her new career.
Claire Hutchinson will manage the Cutting Edge salon at the University Hospital of North Tees from next Monday (14 September).
This will be a full time Monday to Friday service available to staff, patients and visitors (once visiting re-starts).
This is where she trained as a hair and beauty apprentice as part of a partnership between Stockton Riverside College and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust regularly offers work experience opportunities to students at the college while the college in return runs first class development courses for staff.
She said: “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship in the salon. It was a fantastic opportunity to not only get to learn my profession but also give something back to NHS staff, patients and visitors.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be returning in my own right as manager. The business has already made a name for itself across the organisation. But there is even more potential in it which I would like to explore.
“I am committed to running a full time service for staff and patients and offer a wide range of treatments. There will be challenges around social distancing but we’ve put the measures in place to ensure customers can safely visit.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting staff and patients and getting started.”
Proof that apprenticeships work
Tony Wilson is business development manager at NTH Solutions. He said: “We are delighted to welcome Claire and are excited to see what her plans are for the salon.
“Claire is proof that the apprenticeship system can and does work very successfully. She has learned her trade and is now returning as a trained and qualified stylist.”
