“It has been a rollercoaster ride, but sticking with it was the best decision I made. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without this course. I used to be someone who would try different things and easily lose interest, but I feel like I’ve really found my calling with hairdressing.”
Studying at UCOL | Te Pūkenga wasn't always on the cards for 22-year-old Camryn Watt. However after a short stint at university, Camryn realised her calling was to follow a more creative path.
"To be honest, it was a bit of a random decision! After a year studying social policy at university, I realised that my true passion lay in more hands-on and creative work. Coincidentally, UCOL offered hairdressing classes two minutes away from where I lived in Masterton."
"I had always enjoyed styling hair for myself and my friends, so I took the leap and decided to pursue hairdressing. Looking back, I'm glad I made that choice!"
Throughout her time at UCOL, Camryn found incredible support from her tutors.
"UCOL has been amazing in supporting me and my journey. I got really close with my tutors, who went above and beyond to cater to our individual learning needs. I'm quite a hands-on learner, so if I needed to do a theory assessment, they'd add a practical element to help me learn.
"I really enjoyed the class sizes too, the learning experience felt more personal."
Camryn's education at UCOL also provided her with practical experience through work placements.
"During my second year, my tutor arranged a work placement at Tonik - a really great salon. From day one, I felt like I meshed with the girls. Working in a real salon environment was amazing because I had the opportunity to learn while working. It was hard at the start but I learnt really fast."
"I was lucky to take on part-time work at Tonik after my placement, and spent Monday to Wednesday at UCOL. The tutors would give me tips and tricks when I was at UCOL for when I went back to work. It was such a big help having one of the tutors working alongside me at Tonik too!"
"I've now been working here at Tonik for two years and I'm currently in my final year of my formal hairdressing apprenticeship. I feel like now I can do most of the things the seniors can do and once I finish this year, I'll be fully qualified!"
Camryn says she never expected hairdressing to have such a profound impact on her life.
"It has been a rollercoaster ride, but sticking with it was the best decision I made. I honestly don't know where I'd be without this course. I used to be someone who would try different things and easily lose interest, but I feel like I've really found my calling with hairdressing."
"What I love most about it is doing big changes, like when someone comes in with long brown hair and leaves with a short blonde bob. It feels so satisfying, all that effort and you're just like 'oh yes!'"
When asked how UCOL prepared her for her career, Camryn emphasised the significance of the learner-centred approach.
"Studying at UCOL helped me a lot. I don't know if I would have done as well if I started at the salon. The programme had a strong focus on students and that made a real difference. The tutors were so approachable and they just made it so much easier."
Camryn encourages others considering a future in hairdressing at UCOL to go for it.
"If you have a genuine interest in it, just give it a try. If it gets hard, there's lots of support available, the tutors are always available to help if you need it, and there's counsellors too! It could be the best decision you make."