Jessica completes her hairdressing training

Young Ipswich woman Jessica O’Sullivan won the chance to take her life in a new direction - hairdressing - when she won a competition in the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, in association with the Alan d Education hairdressing academy in Ipswich.

Shop worker Jess had always wanted to be a hairdresser - now she has the skills to make that change after 20 weeks of intensive training at the academy in Tacket Street, Ipswich.

The former pupil at Copleston and Northgate High Schools had also been to Suffolk College and studied beauty therapy.

“But I found it difficult finding a job,” she said.

Instead she has been working in retail for the Co-op.

“I am really interested in hair fashion,” she said.

“I think I have been dyeing my hair since I was 12. It has been every colour.”

Now she has the skills and qualifications to launch her new career.

Jessica,22, said: “I have really enjoyed it.

“It has been 20 weeks of hard work, but I have learned so much.

“I definitely want to make hairdressing my profession now.

“Now I have qualified I am looking for a job, hopefully in Ipswich, because I don’t drive as yet.

“I have really grown in confidence and I have enjoyed working with others.

“My birthday is coming up soon - it would be nice to be in a job by then.”

Director Edward Hemmings said Jess had been a great success, and even blogged about her experiences.

She had been a pleasure to work with.

Edward said: “Jess is very good at what she does and she will make a great professional in whatever job she gets.

“We would love someone to take Jess on, she would come highly recommended by us.

“She was something of a quiet mouse when she came here but she has grown and developed her skills and confidence.”

Jess now has her NVQ Level 2 qualification, including hairstyling, cutting, colouring and perming at the end of her 20 week training course at the Alan D Education hairdressing academy in Ipswich.

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