Breaking Barriers: Award-Winning Apprentice Embracing Autism

We couldn’t be prouder to share the incredible achievement of our talented hairdressing apprentice, Katie, who was recently honoured with the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award at the 2024 Salon Awards! This award celebrates her outstanding dedication and growth, in her journey with us—and it’s a true testament to her resilience, hard work, and passion for hairdressing.

Katie’s journey hasn’t been a simple one. Having qualified as a hairdresser several years ago and also being diagnosed with Autism, Katie never felt like she would truly fit in within a salon environment. Stepping into the lively, dynamic world of a salon isn’t easy for most people, let alone those with disabilities. New environments and social situations presented unique challenges, but since starting at Morgan’s, she has met every hurdle with remarkable strength. She has worked hard, developing her skills, building relationships, and embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.

Starting with one-on-one foundational training from Sue, a qualified hairdresser, Katie began to rebuild her confidence and refine her skills. Her journey continued with specialised training from Revlon Professional educators on their new Eksperience range, where she not only developed new techniques but also discovered a specific passion within Morgan’s. Beginning in February next year, Katie will lead our new Japanese Head Spa services, exclusively featuring Revlon Eksperience treatments and products. This marks a significant milestone in Katie’s career, and we couldn’t be prouder to support her growth.

Katie’s passion for hairdressing and her dedication to mastering her craft have inspired all of us. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also a reminder of the power of inclusion, support, and determination.

If you’re a salon owner, we encourage you to take active steps toward building a more diverse and inclusive team. Numerous organizations are dedicated to helping individuals like Katie launch their careers—let’s work together to make our industry more inclusive for everyone!