A BARNSLEY College hairdressing apprentice has won a regional title and placed third for a national award having only entering the industry just over a year ago.
Holly Oldfield, 24, came first in the Yorkshire and Humber region in the apprentice of the year category at the 2023 UK Hair and Beauty Awards, before almost winning nationally.
Holly received the good news at the red carpet award ceremony in Birmingham, which she was surprised to even be attending being new to the industry.
Holly had only entered a year’s worth of portfolio work to the competition and had only ever worked on her own hair before joining her course at college and becoming an apprentice at Palmowski Hair Design in Wath-upon-Dearne.
“In the moment, when I won, I felt so shocked,” she said.
“For me, representing Yorkshire and the Humber meant a lot.
“I think coming from a small town and a low-income family, having a title like that feels very meaningful and I hope it encourages others to apply for awards like these no matter where they come from.
“It feels amazing.
“To think I placed third out of the whole UK feels like a dream.
“There were so many talented entries, so I feel extremely grateful to have been chosen.”