Award finalist Marcio is a cutting edge, model trainee!
Marcio – developing a career as a barber and model.
Marcio Paixo hopes to be a cut above the rest as he develops his career as a barber and model. But while the future now looks bright for the Merthyr Tydfil teenager, it has not always been plain sailing.
Born in Portugal, Marcio was eight years old when he moved to live with his aunt in Merthyr Tydfil following the demise of his father’s business, and as a teenager he witnessed the breakdown of his parents’ marriage.
Years of bullying at primary and senior school failed to hinder his academic success as he left with eight A-C grade GCSEs.
But it was a Traineeship Level 1 through training provider PeoplePlus Cymru – Merthyr Centre that kick-started 17-year-old Marcio’s career. Undertaking a Traineeship placement with Lazarou Bros barbers in his new home town, he quickly developed his skills under salon owner Andreas who offered expert personal training.
Now Marcio has been shortlisted for the Traineeships Learner of the Year (Level 1) at next month’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, the annual celebration of outstanding achievement in training and apprenticeships.
Thirty-four finalists in a dozen categories are in the running for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, which will be presented at a high-profile ceremony at the new International Convention Centre Wales, Newport, on October 24.
The awards showcase the successes of the best learners, employers, tutors and assessors in Wales who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeship and Apprenticeship programmes.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru has Openreach, the UK’s digital network business, as its premier sponsor this year. The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Marcio is now enrolled on a Foundation Apprenticeship with Lazarou Bros and a portfolio of advanced client cuts sits alongside a burgeoning modelling career where leading regional fashion brands vie for his services to feature their clothes online.
PeoplePlus Merthyr Tutor Ryan James said: “Marcio epitomises the qualities of a standout trainee, excelling beyond his expectations despite a challenging start to life. He is a genuine role model.”
Marcio added: “Through PeoplePlus and my Traineeship, I have developed confidence and skills that will enable me to progress into the career I’ve always wanted.”
Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, congratulated Marcio and all the other shortlisted finalists.
“Our Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship programmes are helping increasing numbers of people to gain the skills and experience that we know businesses across all sectors of the economy in Wales really need,” he said.
“The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate and showcase the achievements of everyone involved in those programmes from our star apprentices and employers, to learning providers and trainees.”
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