Mia Bowles is a Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist Apprentice at The Skincare Clinic, studying with the Oxford International College of Beauty, following the completion of a Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification. Mia was announced as the winner of the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award at the 2021 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards. Mia shared with us her apprenticeship experience and what she would say to anyone thinking of entering the 2022 awards.
What made you decide to do an apprenticeship?
There are many reasons why apprenticeships are a good option – a few of the main ones for me being that you are able to gain experience whilst working, which is ideal when applying for future jobs, as you have that experience under your belt. You also get paid whilst you learn, and your course and qualification are funded – whilst receiving double the support from your workplace and college/ training provider.
I was also very fortunate as the college of my choice took on apprentices.
What are your main day-to-day duties within your role?
My main role centres around helping the salon run smoothly, which includes helping therapists with their rooms and ensuring these are ready for them ahead of treatments. I also assist with customer service and administrative duties, including ensuring clients payments are put through, rebooked and any queries are answered. I make sure the salon is kept clean and tidy and all washing is kept up with, along with now running my own column of clients to put my training into practice, which is currently growing.
Why did you enter the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?
I didn't actually enter myself into the awards, I was nominated by my college – which was great as they obviously thought I was a good enough apprentice to be entered.
How did it feel to then go on to win the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award?
It felt great to win the award – especially as this helped gain recognition for the industry I work in - I know was up against some amazing apprentices, so it was a real privilege.
What would you say to anyone thinking of entering/ nominating someone else for the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?
I’d say to definitely enter as there is always a chance of winning, and there is a great sense of achievement for yourself, the industry and workplace – even just for entering.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week - what would you say to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity, as it enables you to gain experience through work placements, as well as working towards a recognised qualification – the combination of which has so many perks, such as being paid whilst learning and receiving additional support from both your training provider and workplace. This then makes it far easier to get a job after finishing your qualification.
What do you plan on doing after you finish your apprenticeship?
My course is between a year and a year and a half long, so I should be completed in the next few months and then if possible, I plan to stay working at The Skincare Clinic and helping any future apprentices progress within their role. I would also like to travel, so have ambitions of potentially working on a cruise ship for a season or two. Eventually I would love to open my own salon.
The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 are open to entries and nominations until midnight on Monday 14 February.
Find out more and enter the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards
