Hairdressing Modern Apprentice (MA) Olivia Wright brightened up the stage at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Star Awards semi-final to become a Scottish Region winner.
Olivia (18) from Falkirk – who works at Chaplins in Hallglen – had previously secured one of only five places in the Scottish semi-final of the awards at Glasgow’s SEC held on 31 March, for creating a new image. She has now landed herself a place in the UK national final in June.
She said: “It was really overwhelming and I was so shocked to win. Everyone was so happy for me and it was an amazing feeling. I can’t wait for the final in London, I am so excited and this is a great opportunity for me, especially at my age.”
Olivia will now receive a year’s education with L’oreal and free place at next year’s awards worth £250. She has also won a place in the British L’oreal Colour Trophy Grand Final taking place on Monday 3 June in London.
In the UK capital she will have to recreate her look at Lo’real’s national academy during the day where she will be judged by big names such as Sally Brooks and Earl Douglas. She will then do a catwalk with her model at the evening awards ceremony taking place in the Battersea Evolution. If she wins the grand final in London, she could be going on a trip to Europe.
Rhona Fish, who owns Chaplins, said: “I feel so proud and happy for Olivia. She has worked extremely hard and done amazing with her look and presentation. This is a great platform for Olivia and she really deserves it. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
During the semi-final held at the SEC, Olivia had to recreate her look and was interviewed by the judges and her whole creation was judged and marked on 40% presentation of her mood board and technique, 40% hair colour and 20% model style.
Olivia speaks very highly of the MA programme at Forth Valley College – who send assessors to monitor her in the workplace - and added: “I really enjoy training to become a qualified hairdresser through the MA programme and colour is my favourite thing to do. It is brilliant working at Chaplins, everyone is great. I would thoroughly recommend a modern apprenticeship to anyone.”
Tracey Boyle, FVC Business Development Partner, who works closely with Chaplins and FVC Workplace Assessor Nicola Cowan who helps to asses Olivia in the workplace, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Olivia. We are absolutely delighted and so proud to hear that she has won the semi-finals of such a prestigious competition.
“It has been fantastic to see Olivia grow and develop in her hairdressing where she has recently progressed to her Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship. The college have worked with Chaplins for a number of years, and they have produced some very talented hairdressers through the Modern Apprenticeship Programme. We look forward to continuing the MA partnership with them into the future. Good luck to Olivia!"