Meet our students….

Laura – Age 19

The school environment didn’t really agree with Laura and Laura didn’t agree with it – she hated the structure.  So, after struggling for a few years Laura decided to leave and find work.  Despite her best efforts to do this, no one seemed to want to help her.  She looked around for alternative options and, after recommendations from her friends, came across Riviera Lodge.  Having a keen interest in beauty she started on the ‘Entry 2 Employment’ programme.  She has been recommended as a success story by her teachers due to her hard work and positive attitude, in and outside the classroom.  Laura now wants to go on to study a level 3 NVQ, specialising in nail art- a subject she hopes to create a career in.  Outside the classroom she has gained back her lost self confidence by losing 3 stone with Weight Watchers, an achievement she is really proud of.  She may be sad to leave after a year here, but she says that she never thought she would find friends like the ones she has made. 

Shana – Age 18

‘Before coming to Riviera Lodge I did an apprenticeship at a salon. I hated it. I had no help and didn’t really do anything to do with hairdressing. I left miserable and wanting to quit hair. I heard of Riviera Lodge’s reputation and thought I’d give hair one more chance.  When I came I felt welcome straight away, the tutors gave me so much support and I wouldn’t say they were just my tutors, but also my friends.  On days when I had problems (not just with hairdressing) they gave me advice and someone to talk to who would listen.

Life coaching is available which has helped me a great deal.  It made me determined and not want to quit.

I now run a salon in Falmouth and am very confident and independent.  My self esteem has been lifted and I now feel I can be successful.  I’m also now doing NVQ3 Hair.’