Tina Ockerby’s journey in the hair and beauty industry is one defined by passion, ambition and a commitment to raising standards. As a leader at Kleek Apprenticeships, delivering Level 2 and 3 Hairdressing and Barbering qualifications, Tina has dedicated her career to developing future generations of industry professionals.
Her recent VTCT Excellence Award recognises not only her personal achievements, but also the collective success of the learners, employers and teams she has supported throughout her career.
About the Organisation
Kleek Apprenticeships (formerly Saks Education) is a specialist training provider delivering high-quality apprenticeships in hairdressing, barbering and beauty.
What began in 2000 with just 10 apprentices has grown to over 1,000 apprentices in 2025 — a remarkable achievement that reflects the strength of employer partnerships, dedicated staff and motivated learners.
Through VTCT Skills qualifications in the hair and beauty sector, Kleek Apprenticeships continues to deliver industry-relevant training that prepares apprentices for long-term success.
Social: @kleekapprentice
A Moment of Recognition
Winning the VTCT Excellence Award was a deeply meaningful moment for Tina.
“It was a wonderful feeling to be recognised for all the hard work I have done over the years… it’s akin to receiving an OSCAR in the education world!”
Never one to seek the spotlight, Tina prefers to work behind the scenes, focusing on impact rather than recognition. Receiving this award felt like a true privilege and validation of decades of dedication to education and industry development.
She is quick to add that the award represents far more than individual success:
“This award is not just for me but recognition for all our team, learners and employers, past and present.”
A Career Inspired by Passion
Tina’s career began at just 14 years old with a Saturday job in a salon — and she immediately knew she had found her place.
Although she didn’t consider herself particularly academic at school, she soon discovered that learning becomes powerful when it’s connected to genuine interest. Studying beauty therapy at college opened her eyes to the depth of knowledge required, from anatomy and physiology to skin conditions and contraindications.
“Since it was a subject I was genuinely interested in, the learning came much easier.”
Her love of the personal connection with clients, combined with a desire to travel, led her to work on cruise liners — an experience that allowed her to see the world while developing her professional expertise and building lifelong friendships.
An Incredible Journey
After returning to the UK, Tina sought a new challenge and opened her own salon. Alongside running a successful business, she discovered a passion for teaching and developing others — a turning point that led her into education.
Her career evolved further as she worked with a standard-setting body, contributing to qualification development, collaborating with government agencies and helping to shape future frameworks. Notably, she played a role in developing the very first apprenticeship in beauty therapy.
She later joined Saks Education, now Kleek Apprenticeships, where she has been instrumental in developing and leading outstanding apprenticeship provision.
Under her leadership and alongside a dedicated team:
These milestones represent sustained excellence and a deep commitment to quality training.
Proudest Moments
While receiving the VTCT Excellence Award stands out as a career highlight, Tina’s greatest pride comes from seeing learners succeed.
From apprentices winning prestigious awards such as the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and Wella Trend Awards, to former learners joining art teams, working in television and theatre, travelling internationally or becoming educators and brand ambassadors — these achievements reflect the ripple effect of high-quality training.
“It demonstrates that all the hard work and stress are worth it, as we see the success reflected in the achievements of others.”
Defining Success
For Tina, success is not measured by titles or accolades but by impact.
“I define my success by the positive impact I have made on others.”
Through delivering exceptional training and assessment, she knows that Kleek Apprenticeships is preparing the next generation of hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists for thriving careers in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Seeing former apprentices build successful, diverse careers continues to inspire her to go above and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Winning the VTCT Excellence Award has only strengthened Tina’s ambition.
Her next goal?
“To win the VTCT Skills Large Training Provider Award in 2026, of course!”
But beyond awards, her focus remains clear: to continue delivering outstanding training and nurturing future generations of professionals in the hair and beauty industry.