Ali Mohabatti arrived in the UK at the age of 11 as a refugee from Afghanistan. He went to live with foster carers who have supported and cared for him, but he struggled academically, with English and maths.
At 16, with no GCSEs under his belt, Mohabatti started a traineeship at the Michaeljohn Training academy (MJTS) in Manchester, which specialises in hairdressing and barbering. The provider found a local employer, Friends Barber Shop, which was looking for an apprentice, and Ali took his first steps into the world of barbering.
Having successfully completed his traineeship, Mohabatti went on to study for an NVQ level 2 in barbering, over 18 months. Still employed at the same barbers, he is working towards a level 3 qualification, and has passed his British citizenship test. His next ambition is to train to teach other prospective barbers.
He was shortlisted for the Asian Apprenticeship Awards 2017, in the retail, hospitality and tourism apprentice category.
Open for entries
“Without Michaeljohn I would not have anything like the kind of career I have today,” he said. “They have supported me both in my apprenticeship and with personal things like getting my citizenship. I cannot thank everyone at MJTS enough and cannot wait to pass my skills on to the next generation.”
Nominations are now open for the Asian Apprenticeship Awards 2018, for employers, training providers and apprentices. The closing date for entries is 31 July. For more information, visit asianapprenticeshipawards.co.uk.