Michelle, a student at Born to Shine, has made significant progress in her personal and professional development through a valuable work experience opportunity at G&E McIntyres, a local hair salon.

Her journey began with an AIM Entry Level 1 course, where she gained a foundational understanding of the roles and responsibilities of volunteering. This knowledge prepared her for real-world experiences and future opportunities.

To further support her, Born to Shine provided weekly sessions to connect her learning to real-life situations. These sessions helped Michelle build a personalized CV that highlighted her skills and abilities. Additionally, confidence-building workshops funded by Born to Shine focused on developing social and workplace skills through role-play scenarios, including customer service and mock interviews.

With newfound confidence, Michelle approached G&E McIntyres to inquire about work experience and hand in her CV. She was invited to an interview, where she applied the techniques and knowledge gained from her training. Michelle successfully secured a weekly volunteering position at the salon.

At G&E McIntyres, Michelle’s responsibilities include preparing and serving drinks to customers, assisting senior stylists with washing hair and preparing foils, and supporting stock-taking and product replenishment. Her dedication and growth have been so impressive that the salon invited her to extend her hours, adding a Thursday afternoon shift to her regular Monday schedule.

The team at G&E McIntyres praised Michelle’s progress, stating:
“We have been honored to support Michelle and have loved watching her grow in confidence each week. Our customers are very fond of her, and we value this partnership with Born to Shine.”

This experience has transformed Michelle, boosting her confidence and equipping her with practical workplace skills. She can now use this experience to enhance her CV and apply for paid employment, opening the door to exciting future opportunities.

Michelle’s journey is an inspiring example of how tailored support and real-world experience can unlock a person’s potential.