HAIRDRESSING student Lisa Loud has been recognised as Student of the Month by The Aspire Academy of Hair & Beauty, the professional training salon at Wiltshire College & University Centre, after completing an inspiring five-year journey in hairdressing.
The 19-year-old from Chippenham has been studying at the college’s Chippenham campus since Year 10. She has progressed through and successfully completed every level of hairdressing from Level 1 to Level 3.
Lisa says she feels sad to be leaving after five years of study but looks back fondly on her time at the college and feels confident about her future.
“I feel prepared – the course has really helped prepare me for the industry, and I’ve grown so much in confidence and as a person,” said Lisa.
Her passion for hairdressing started young – inspired by her older brother, who also studied hair at WCUC.
“I’ve wanted to do hair since I was four. Then my brother did it, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” she said.
Initially joining through the college’s pre-16 School Link programme – which offers Year 10 and Year 11 pupils the opportunity to explore vocational subjects in a practical, college-based setting – Lisa credits Aspire Academy and its staff for helping her develop personally and professionally.
“The support from tutors really helped. They made me feel welcome straight away – something I didn’t always feel at school.”
Beauty & Media Make-up lecturer, Laura Lawrence, along with others who have supported Lisa throughout her journey, is extremely proud of her dedication and growth.
“Watching Lisa grow over the last five years has been a real privilege,” said Laura. “From a curious school-link student to a confident Level 3 stylist, she’s shown determination and passion every step of the way. She’s worked hard, supported others, and we’re all really proud of how far she’s come.”
To celebrate Lisa’s commitment and success, the Aspire Academy awarded her Student of the Month in her final term at college.
Lisa said she was thrilled to be recognised and is looking forward to her next steps – whether starting a salon job, returning to Aspire in a support role, or one day opening a salon of her own.
