It’s results time, and as hundreds of thousands of young people decide on their future as they receive A-Levels, GCSEs, BTECs, T Levels and a whole host of other qualifications, Daily Focus sheds the spotlight on a former professional footballer and his inspirational learning story with Stoke on Trent College.
When professional footballer Joel Grant started thinking about life beyond football he turned the clock back two decades and recalled his interest in barbering.
At that time, he was just 16 and over a year away from making his professional debut for Watford F.C.
Over the next 20 years he went on to represent not only Watford but the likes of Crewe Alexandra, Wycombe Wanderers, Grimsby Town and Jamaica at international level.
But as his career on the field began to wind down he looked to something else to fall back on.
Joel said: “I was always good at art in school, so I always thought it would be something creative, if not football for me. Barbering came about, as I always thought I’d play better with a fresh haircut.”
Joel started to re-explore his interest in barbering, and after an online search he found the course at Stoke on Trent College.
There was some trepidation at first – mainly because he would be coming to college as an adult learner, now in his early 30s with a young family.
“I wasn’t sure how it would pan out, but one thing about me is that once I’ve decided I want to do something I have the determination to make it happen,” he said.
“It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in my life.
“Coming here has given me an exit route from football that I feel I didn’t have before. This has given me a new career path, a new lease of life.
“It is daunting leaving the world of football, as you are so dedicated to it, and you don’t think about anything else.”
Two years on and Joel has now completed his Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Barbering.
After completing an apprenticeship with local barbers Twocees Cuts, he has now found full employment and has even been able to develop his own soccer-related sub-brand, the Footy Fader.
“The satisfaction I get from barbering is completely different to that of football. As a barber you have the job of making someone’s day, and making them feel good about themselves.”
Joel also feels like he has a responsibility to young people, who may be in football, to let them know there are options available.
He is still a part-time football coach and often tells his players to think about different careers they could explore if football doesn’t work out or for when they retire from the sport.
Asked why he feels Barbering has become quite a popular career path, Joel believes social media has played a massive part in opening younger people and those with a creative flair to the possibilities it holds.
After completing his Level 3 Diploma in Barbering, Joel is hoping to inspire the learners of tomorrow and talk about his journey.
He said: “I’d love to come back to the College and do talks, and let the students know if you get your head down and study you can come away with qualifications that can change your life.”
