A Barbering student who recently completed his course dropped into SERC Bangor Campus to thank his tutor for supporting his continuing success, and to show the trophy he won at the recent NI Hair and Beauty Awards.
Adam Kennedy’s salon, AGK Barbering in Bangor, was named Barber of the Year at the awards ceremony in May.
Adam, who is now 32, and from Donaghadee, began training at SERC on a part-time Level 2 Barbering course some years ago, when he was already working with a local barber. After successfully completing that course and eventually opening his own salon, Adam enrolled on the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering in 2024. Studying full-time alongside running a business was demanding, but Adam says it’s all been worth it:
“I would describe learning at SERC as rewarding and worthwhile – though it can be crazy! The classes are all very diverse and you meet a range of people, and everything you learn is a good grounding for the job. When I first started out I was coming in for evening classes after work, so I was doing fourteen hour days at times, though the main challenge for me was learning to colour hair! I don’t get asked to do it very often at the salon, fortunately!”
For the NI Hair and Beauty Awards, Adam had to put himself forward and gather votes in support of his business, then when he made the finals, he had to submit evidence of his skills and also his contribution to the local community – in Adams, case, that includes sponsoring two local football teams. On winning the title, Adam comments,
“It’s a validation of everything I’ve done. It really means something to be recognised for your work and to know your clients appreciate you too. I want to take the business and the brand as far as I can, and I also would like to teach eventually. I would say the best thing about SERC is the teaching; my tutor, Sarah June Robinson, goes out of her way to help everyone who comes into the class, and to make sure we all do well.”
Sarah June responded, “The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing your students do well, and I am so proud of Adam and his achievements. He balanced college with full-time work and the demands of everyday life and has not only gained his qualifications but also developed a successful, award-winning business.”
