Tullow hairdresser Molly named Apprentice of the Year
Minister Marian Harkin presents the Apprentice of the Year industry award in hairdressing to Molly Carroll of Vanilla Hair Design Photo: Declan Roughan
A TULLOW teenager has scooped the prestigious Apprentice of the Year industry award for her hairdressing skills.
Molly Carroll, who is 19 years old, was presented the award at Dublin’s RDS on 21 October. She was absolutely delighted to win the award and said she was so shocked that she barely heard her name being called.
Molly is a second-year apprentice at Vanilla Hair Design and studies one day a week at Enniscorthy Community College. Samantha Byrne, her mentor and owner of the salon, nominated her for the award.
“She’s really supportive and she is so proud,” said Molly about Samantha. She said that when she received the award, Samantha was screaming for her with delight.
“Hairdressing has always been in the family,” said Molly. She works with her cousins Leah and Aoife in the salon.
With more than 500 nominees, Molly was one of just 17 winners on the night. A week previously, she had won a spot on the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) Star Team. Molly will travel with them around the country, learning and advancing her skills.
“It’s nice after all the hard work to receive the award,” said Molly.
Minister for higher education Marian Harkin presented Molly with the award. She acknowledged that apprentices are at the heart of the Irish workforce.
Molly begins her final year of the apprenticeship in January. She says she would love to continue working at Samantha’s salon once she graduates. She would also like to become an educator and run her own hair courses eventually.
