An award-winning Manchester student has halted living life in the bus lane to become a hairdresser in a drastic career change.
Manchester College student Patrick Raphael, from Oldham, decided to swap life as a driver at the age of 48 for a career in hairdressing and has not checked his wing mirrors since.
Patrick has recently been awarded a Medal of Excellence from City & Guilds of ‘in recognition of outstanding performance in hair and beauty’.
Two years ago, Patrick was encouraged to swap steering wheels for scissors by a friend who suffered from alopecia.
“I used to do her children’s hair and she would always tell me how discouraged she felt,” he said.
“I wanted to give encouragement to women like my friend and decided to look into a career in the hair industry. I saw a careers officer and they suggested I contact The Manchester College – and I’ve not looked back since.”
The 50-year-old will now join other medallists from across the country at a celebration ceremony in London on June 5.
Patrick, who is currently studying for his NVQ in Hairdressing, was nominated for the award by his tutor Elaine Alton.
“Patrick is a dream student to have in the classroom. He always strives to produce the best work he possibly can, repeatedly practising new skills until he has mastered the techniques,” she said.
“But the main reason I nominated him was the way he always supported his peers in whatever way he could, nothing was ever too much trouble.
“I was never in any doubt that Patrick should be nominated for the award and we are all delighted that such a prestigious organisation as City & Guilds has acknowledged his achievements.”
Since moving from north London, Patrick hopes to fulfil a long-term goal of opening his own salon.
“I want to help people who don’t have enough money to have their hair done,” he added.
“My advice to people would be to do your work to the best of your ability and never give up, keep on going.”
Patrick is heading into his third year at the Manchester College and has claimed his success is down to the help he has received from his teachers.
He added: “I can’t thank my tutors enough. If they hadn’t seen the work I’d produced and believed in me I wouldn’t be at this stage now. They are an inspiration to me and gave me purpose to carry on with my dream.”
