Leanne Hall's Journey from Student to Stylist

Leanne Hall, a part-time student on the Foundation Degree in Hair and Beauty Business Management course at South West College's Omagh campus, is proving that dedication, ambition and a passion for learning can lead to outstanding success.

Leanne's journey with South West College has been one of continuous growth and achievement. Having successfully completed her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications while working within the hair industry, she is now progressing towards her Level 5 qualification, balancing study alongside a busy professional career.

Throughout her time at SWC, Leanne has consistently gone above and beyond. She represented the College in intercampus competitions and challenged herself further by competing on a national stage, securing places in two WorldSkills UK National Qualifiers for hairdressing.

"Taking part in these competitions challenged me creatively and technically, and it remains one of the highlights of my training so far," Leanne said.

Her hard work and commitment have also been recognised through a number of prestigious awards. Leanne was named Student of the Year during her Level 2 studies and later received the Excellence Award for Level 3, an accolade awarded across all three South West College campuses.

Today, Leanne is working as a hairdresser at GR Hair Studio in Enniskillen, where she first completed her placement as part of her college training. Following the successful placement, she progressed into full-time employment as a stylist, continuing to build her skills and experience within the industry.

Leanne believes the business management elements of her current course are providing invaluable knowledge for her future ambitions.

"Even though I'm currently employed, understanding the business side of the industry and keeping up to date with current trends is giving me a strong foundation for the future. When the time comes to work for myself, I know these skills will put me in a confident and well-prepared position," she explained.

Balancing part-time study with full-time employment has not been without its challenges. Leanne admits that adjusting to the independent learning required at Level 5 was demanding, but with determination and the support of her tutors, she has continued to thrive.

"The Level 5 course is definitely a big academic step up from Level 3, but with dedication and consistent study, it's absolutely achievable," she said.

Looking ahead, Leanne hopes to progress onto the Level 6 programme and complete her full degree in Hair and Beauty Management. Ultimately, she aspires to move into education, inspiring and supporting future generations entering the industry.

Encouraging others to follow a similar path, Leanne highly recommends the Level 5 Hair and Beauty Management course to those looking to advance their qualifications and develop a stronger understanding of the business side of the industry.

Inspired by those around her and driven by a passion for continuous learning, Leanne is committed to developing her expertise and hopes to one day use her knowledge and experience to educate and inspire others within the hair and beauty sector.