Meet Ruby
National Apprenticeship Week takes place each year and celebrates talented apprentices - like Ruby!
Ruby started working with us last February, and once she had finished her GCSEs in the summer, she decided to turn her part-time job into a full-time position and begin an apprenticeship.
Her youthful enthusiasm and natural talent for beauty therapy mean she has quickly become an incredible therapist!
To shine a light on our incredible therapist, we sat down with Ruby to find out more about her studies and life at Butterfly You Beauty.
Q: Why did you decide to start an apprenticeship?
A: I started working at Butterfly You last February, and I loved the idea of working in a salon once I finished my GCSEs. I’m the kind of person who also prefers to be hands-on, so starting an apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy seemed like the perfect thing for me to do. Practical learning and I could carry on working here. It was an easy decision!
Q: What do you enjoy about being an apprentice?
A: I enjoy constantly learning new things and meeting new people, both at work and college.
Q: How long is your qualification?
A: I study at East Sussex College, at the Lewes campus, one day a week, and I have 18 months to complete my qualification. I’m really enjoying it and thanks to the experience I gained before I finished school, I’m picking things up really quickly, so I’m hoping to finish a little sooner than that.
Q: What have you learnt so far at college?
A: I have learnt a lot since being at college. We’ve covered techniques for performing a full facial, the process of eyelash tinting, how to wax and tint eyebrows, and how to apply and remove wax for full leg, underarm, lip and chin waxing.
Q: How has that helped you while at work?
A: The great thing about learning at college is that I have the theoretical knowledge to go back to work and put it all into practice. Then while I’m at work, Becki and the other girls are there to guide and help me really hone those skills. It’s great because I can learn so many different things all at once.
Q: What have you learnt at work?
A: My studies at college are like the basis to help me learn lots of other treatments specific to Butterfly You, such as the feet retreat pedicure, eyelash lifting and tinting, and BIAB manicure and infills. Over the next few months, I’m really excited to learn more about the other treatments too.
Q: What's it like working and going to college?
A: It’s amazing! Going to college and work is like the best of both worlds. I’m getting an education from professional teachers while learning from really experienced therapists at work. It gives me the chance to practice all my skills and experience different scenarios, such as different skin types and conditions, which expands my knowledge even more.
Q: What's the best thing about your job?
A: There are so many things I love about working at Butterfly You Beauty, but the most rewarding thing is the lovely community we have built, where every client comes in and leaves with a smile on their face. I really value the relationships I’m building with clients and my colleagues. I feel as though I’ve made many new friends, which is such a nice feeling.
Q: What do you like most about beauty therapy?
A: I love the fact that there are always new and improved treatments being developed. That means there is always more to learn and I find that very exciting.
Q: What's is the treatment you enjoy doing the most?
A: My favourite treatment is an eyelash lift and tint. I absolutely love the results and think it makes my client’s eyes look so beautiful.
Q: Do you have any advice or tips for anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
A: I would say if you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship, go for it! Becki is the most amazing boss. She has guided me to where I am now and has taught me almost everything I know. It has been a great experience so far and really suits the way I learn. The other great thing is that I get paid while learning skills I know I will have for life.
Q: What are your ambitions or goals for the future?
A: I’d love to continue working at Butterfly You Beauty and continue to learn new things and hopefully get my Level 3 in Beauty.
An incredible lash lift and tint by Ruby