Studying the barbering course has changed my life: Soul’s story.

Here at College, we offer a dynamic range of adult courses. They are designed to ignite passions, and open doors to new possibilities. 

Whether you are looking to discover a hidden talent, start a new creative hobby, or dive into a brand-new industry, we have a course that will help you to reach your goals. 

Soul joined our Level 2 Barbering course with the goal of entering a new sector. He started the course without any prior experience cutting hair or working in a salon. Initially, he was concerned he would not have enough experience, or would be too old to return to education, these fears quickly faded as he was welcomed into the College and met his supportive tutor. 

We caught up with Soul to learn more about his experience as an adult learner and how returning to education has changed his outlook on life.  

Soul’s career had been based in the hospitality industry, working at holiday parks, and running successful pubs and restaurants. After being diagnosed with long COVID, he found it difficult to continue to work in this sector with the long, demanding hours. He was searching for local adult courses when he came across our website and found the Level 2 Barbering course.  

With his years of delivering fantastic customer service, Soul knew that he had many transferable skills he could bring into the role of a Hair Stylist. Before he knew it the course had started and his Thursday evenings started to look very different!  

Applying and support 

Soul found the process of applying very straightforward explaining: “I phoned the College, got referred to Sarah, my tutor, and she told me to come in the following week. Even though it was late in September, the College was fantastic and got me straight in.”  

We pride ourselves on creating a friendly atmosphere ensuring every learner feels welcome and supported throughout their time at College. Soul credits Sarah for providing an inclusive environment stating: “what’s great is the one-to-one support. Every session, the tutor checks in with you, gives advice, helps you build your skills. 

“I have dyslexia, as well as long COVID, and working around both of those has been so easy. I don’t have to ask for support, it’s just there.” 

Returning to education as an adult 

We asked Soul about how he felt returning to education as an adult, he admitted feeling nervous before his first class: “that first day felt like going back to school. You’re wondering who you’ll meet, where you’re meant to go, who to talk to. But the building is easy to navigate, receptionists are lovely, and the process is so simple. 
 
“You’re guided through everything, you meet the tutor, fill in the forms, and before you know it, you’re meeting the rest of the group.” 

He was concerned that he was too old to return to the classroom but was quickly reassured by a friend who was already completing an adult course. He soon realised: “there’s a real mix of ages on the course, and meeting my tutor and peers on the first day completely put my mind at ease.” 

“This course has honestly changed my whole outlook on life. The support is constant and I get the experience to work with real clients. It’s been fantastic, I absolutely love it.” 

Learning experience and new skills

Being able to communicate clearly and confidently, with a range on people is key to success and building up your client –base working in the Hair and Beauty industry.  

Soul commented: “people don’t realise how social barbering is. You’re talking to people all day, often people you’ve never met before. Our tutor really helps prepare us for that, as well as the responsibility that comes with health and safety and working on something so personal to someone – their hair and their image.”  

Throughout the course, learners have the unique opportunity to work with clients in our professional salon, this gives them the chance to put their skills into practise in a safe environment, fully preparing them to enter a commercial salon with confidence. “On this course, we’re learning to cut hair properly, with the right techniques and the right mindset”, Soul shared.  

What’s next after this course? 

Soul is planning to take his learning to the next stage once he has completed this course. He plans to start working at a barbering shop as well as finding some freelance work alongside. 

“This course has honestly changed my whole outlook on life”, mentioned Soul.  

“I thought my career was over, and before starting my mental health wasn’t great, but this gave me something to focus on. It’s something I genuinely look forward to every week.  

“Each week my confidence grows, the support is constant plus, I get the experience to work with real clients. Overall, it’s just been fantastic and I absolutely love it.” 

Giving learners the space to grow in confidence and develop the skills that truly matter is at the heart of everything we do at EKC Ashford College.  

It’s about more than just gaining a new qualification, we give our students the time, support, and belief they need to take that next brave step towards a new career.  

If it’s time for a change, let us help you. Explore our adult courses today.