A teenager who is studying for an NVQ qualification in beauty therapy has opened up her own business.
Lucy Farrington could not wait to get her career started so is studying and running a business at the same time.
The 16-year-old is just months out of school, but claimed that she enjoys beauty therapy so much that it is all she wants to do, reports the Gazette.
By doing an NVQ course, she is able to divide her week between studying for her qualification and working.
She is set to study between Monday and Wednesday, but work in her new beauty salon from Thursday to Saturday.
Despite being only 16, Ms Farrington has already got two years of experience working in the beauty industry, having held down a part-time position with a local hairdresser since she was 14 years old.
"I think because I am young and still learning I can offer really competitive prices, plus it will be a really friendly, professional service," she commented.
NVQ studies can be the start of a new career for young and old alike, as a grandmother from Wythenshawe recently found.
Sue Wheeler was unable to continue her job in health and social care due to issues with her own health, but an adult learning course to improve her computer literacy led her to enrol on an NVQ level one business administration course.
She was soon offered a work placement and then a full-time job, and is now studying for her NVQ level two qualification.
Another successful person to have studied for an NVQ qualification was Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Daniel Graham.
The Journal Live reported that the 27-year-old began his career as a chef by completing an NVQ qualification in food preparation.
Get qualifications whilst doing your job – see our range of NVQs and speak to your line manager about the benefits of taking an NVQ with learndirect.