There's great career opportunities in the hair and beauty industry - Hair To Go with Derry's Margaret Doherty & Co.

Mannequin heads and a few hairdressing tips, I got to share a little of what goes on behind the salon chair. There’s something lovely about introducing young people to a skill they might never have considered as a future career, and who knows, there could have been a future award-winning stylist sitting in that classroom!

Hairdressing is one of those careers that people sometimes underestimate until they understand just how much goes into it. It’s creativity, skill, communication, confidence and continuous learning, all rolled into one. You’re working with people every day, solving problems, developing your craft and helping someone leave feeling great about themselves.

And the opportunities don’t stop at becoming a hairdresser. You can specialise in colour, extensions, bridal styling or education. You can become a salon owner, build a team, train other stylists or even develop your own products. The industry is full of different directions, and that’s one of the things I love most about it.

I’ve been fortunate enough to build a career that has given me opportunities I might never have imagined when I first started out. I’ve continued to learn, gained qualifications, taught other hairdressers and built a business with a fantastic team around me. Hairdressing has given me so much, and I think it’s important that young people get the chance to see what’s possible.

That’s why I think it’s fantastic to see schools introducing hair and beauty into their curriculum. Practical subjects and trades deserve to be recognised and celebrated alongside more traditional academic routes. Not every young person learns in the same way, and not everybody dreams of following the same path.

Some pupils might love working with their hands, others might be naturally creative, and some might discover a talent they never knew they had simply because they’re given the opportunity to try something different.

Helping young people feel that there is more than one door worth walking through.

There is so much value in learning a practical skill. It takes dedication, practice and patience to become good at something, and those skills can open up a world of opportunities. You don’t have to know exactly where your career will take you as a teenager, either. Sometimes all you need is a chance to discover what you enjoy.

I hope the pupils took something away from my visit even if it was simply a new appreciation for what goes into creating a beautiful hairstyle. Perhaps a few of them will remember those mannequin heads and decide to give hairdressing a try in the future.

I left feeling grateful to have been invited and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the next generation.

There are so many talented young people out there, and I think it’s our responsibility as businesses and professionals to encourage them, share our knowledge and help them see what is possible.

Because whether your future lies in a salon, a workshop, a classroom, an office or somewhere entirely different, every career has value.

Sometimes, all it takes is someone showing you what’s possible to help you find your path.