Frome hairdresser starts new career at Bath College

Graduate Sarah-Jane Doman is about to start an exciting new chapter in her life after qualifying as a teacher at Bath College.

Sarah-Jane, a hairdresser from Frome, decided to switch careers after being diagnosed with Repetitive Strain Syndrome (RSI).

Enrolling at Bath College proved to be a good choice, leading to a job teaching students there, as well as a new qualification.

The 35-year-old joined over 70 higher education students for a celebratory graduation ceremony at Bath Abbey on July 19.

She said: “I was cutting down my work load in the salon due to RSI. Becoming a teaching in the industry seemed like the best next step for my career.

“This is the first time I have ever graduated so I am really excited. I want to make my parents proud and throw my hat in the air.

“My GCSEs weren’t the greatest so I have worked hard to get where I am now, completing NVQs levels 2 and 3, as well as re-sitting my maths and English GCSEs.

“Completing a Level 5 course is quite an accomplishment for me. At 35-years-old it’s never too late.”

Students graduating from Bath College have completed courses at Level 4 or higher in subjects such as music, computing and sport. Sarah-Jane, who has two children, spent a year completing a Level 5 diploma in education and training at Bath College.

She starts work at the Bath College Academy next month, used to teach hairdressing, barbering, beauty and spa therapy treatments.

“I had finished a Level 3 PTLLS course at a different college and was looking for a work placement to run alongside my diploma,” she said.

“Bath College were very accommodating and quick to respond to any questions I had, so I decided to apply to do the course there instead. Although the course is quite intense and assignment heavy, I was pleasantly surprised to see how fun it was coming back into education after so long.

“My tutor Clive has been nothing but an inspiration and extremely supportive through the entire course. I have met some fantastic characters in the group, most of which work in the college, so I look forward to our paths crossing in the future.”