Emerson Educational Trust Award for Danielle Firth

John Robinson from the Emerson Trust, Danielle Crowther, Peter Burton, Emerson Trust and Derek O’Toole, Hopwood Hall College Principal

Danielle Firth, 25, from Middleton, has been awarded The Emerson Educational Trust Award for her learning achievements.

Danielle is studying for her NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing Level 2 at Hopwood Hall College as part of her apprenticeship with ‘Hairways’ in Middleton.

She was selected from thousands of students to receive the award after impressing judges with her learning success.

Danielle said: “I have gained so much confidence in my skills as a hairdresser, and not just that, I have gained confidence in myself too.

"The people I have met both in the salon and at college have been amazing. I have received no end of support from my tutors, my boss at work, and the other girls that I have worked with and also my clients.

“As a single mum it hasn’t been easy but I have enjoyed every minute of it and am eager to start my Level 3 NVQ hopefully in the next few months. This apprenticeship has changed my life.”

Her tutors commented that Danielle completed her learning aims ten months earlier than expected and demonstrated excellent professional, creative hairdressing skills throughout. She worked hard to complete her assessments, showing strong personal commitment including giving additional time to her course, despite being a single parent. All agreed that Danielle is ambitious with great self-belief. Her dream is one day opening her own salon.