A HAIRDRESSER has taken a leap out of Alan Sugar's book and made the transition from apprentice to business owner at the very salon that trained him.

Liam Hogan, from Burnley is urging young people to follow in his footsteps after undertaking an apprenticeship from Nelson and Colne College.

The 25-year-old, of the Acrrington Road area of Burnley, said: "The college gave me the best start possible in my career.

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“My tutor, Kathryn Walsh was a great help in every way, she’s been like a second mum to me.

“When I came to Image as an apprentice I felt at home straight away. Some of the early clients I saw as an apprentice are still with me.

“The opportunity came up in April to take over the business and I took it.

“It has its moments but I’ve never regretted it.”

He started at the college five years ago and spent two years on a ESF Funded project, volunteering for two years at Image Hair and Beauty in Burnley to gain the relevant experience.

So impressed were the salon with his dedication and drive that the salon took him on as an apprentice, where he completed Level 3 in Hairdressing and Level 2 Barbering.

The college also named Liam Young Apprentice of the Year – Barbering at its awards ceremony in 2013.

Then earlier this year, the opportunity arose for Liam to take the reins at Image Hair and Beauty and he bought the business, proving that apprentices really do have what it takes to succeed.

And as the business goes from strength to strength, Liam has expanded and opened an old-fashioned, traditional barbering shop.

He said: "

Kathryn Walsh, Hairdressing Tutor at the college, said, “Liam’s story is fantastic and brilliant for inspiring other young people who are thinking about starting an apprenticeship.

"Liam faced some tough barriers to complete his training and should be very proud of what he achieved.

"He took on the salon where he himself was an apprentice and I am sure he will by a big success.”

Liam has been true to his ‘roots’ and taken on an apprentice from Nelson and Colne College, Dale Latham and also employs stylist Natalie Campione.