Gillian Pople left West Park School after taking her GCSEs and began training in hair and beauty. "My mum is a hairdresser so I suppose that's where my interest first began. As I didn't know whether I preferred hair or beauty, I chose to take level 1 NVQs in both for a year. This was excellent experience for me as I could then make a choice based on a solid understanding of the jobs".

After completing her first year, Gillian decided to concentrate on the beauty side and worked her way through the Apprenticeship programmes and progressing on to Advanced level. The Academy of Hair and Beauty then employed Gillian where she demonstrated techniques to other trainees. She showed such an aptitude and flair for passing on her skills that she was asked to consider a position teaching at the salon so began a teacher course and is now in the process of gaining her tutor/assessor award.

Now at the age of 21, Gillian has her ideal job as a Beauty Therapy tutor. But things have not always been easy for Gillian. When she was 18 she was involved in an accident that left her with injuries that mean she can't remain in one position for too long.

"I love my job, the best thing about it is the variety and meeting different people. After the accident I was determined to just get on with it and my training helped to give me the confidence to do it! I now do two days teaching and three days in the salon. Teaching is great; I relate well to the students because I've done the course that they are doing. I enjoyed my training and learned a tremendous amount so I really like passing my skills onto others. Students sit in with me while I work on a client and then they practice on each other. I can't believe how far I have come since leaving school. I would recommend this training to anyone, as far as I'm concerned the sky's the limit!!!"