“I want people to realise that I haven’t got where I am now easily. I have really worked hard at doing my Apprenticeship in order to succeed.”
Victoria Snook, 19, was a happy teenager just beginning her Apprenticeship when tragedy struck and changed her life forever. During her second week at college, Victoria’s mother passed away suddenly. Victoria became the only wage-earner in her home and was forced to go back to work immediately to help support her family.
Victoria says: “I had to take care of my young brothers and find ways to pay bills I never thought I’d have at such a young age. My Apprenticeship helped me do this as it meant I could still earn money while working towards my qualification.”
Victoria undertook an Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, including working at Angela Inman Hair Studio in Preston. The Apprenticeship programme allowed her to earn money for her family while working towards her qualification. Despite a further personal setback shortly afterwards when her father sadly died, Victoria pushed on with her Apprenticeship.
Victoria says: “My Apprenticeship helped me smile again. I wanted to get the qualification for myself and my parents. Focusing on completing my Apprenticeship helped me stop thinking about the bad things going on in my life.”
Having completed her Apprenticeship, Victoria is still supporting her brothers and has now moved on to an Advanced Apprenticeship in Hairdressing to enable her to progress further up the career ladder. For Victoria, her Apprenticeship has not only helped her gain qualifications, but also helped her to set goals and reach them.
Amanda Morey, Hairdressing Trainer and Assessment Coordinator for Preston College, has no doubts that everyone should be proud of Victoria’s accomplishments.
Amanda says: “Victoria has an exceptional personality – she never complains about anything and, to speak to her, you would never know she’s had to overcome so much. She is an inspiration to any person thinking of starting an Apprenticeship programme.”
Victoria was named Personal Achiever of the Year at the national Apprenticeship Awards 2008.