During her placement year, Bayley worked as a Makeup and Hair Trainee across a range of productions, including the short film ‘Prey’. She also had the opportunity to work under leading professionals such as Siân Grigg (Sherlock Holmes) and Claire Pritchard (Prisoner). These roles were both technically demanding and creatively rewarding, often involving long hours, fast-paced environments, and high expectations. Through this experience, Bayley developed her confidence, adaptability, and professionalism, learning how to analyse scripts, interpret briefs, and perform under pressure.
While gaining hands-on experience in film and TV, Bayley recognised a key gap in her skillset: barbering. She saw how important continuity cuts are on set, particularly for male actors whose hair grows quickly and must remain consistent throughout filming to ensure visual accuracy. Recognising that few makeup artists are fully qualified barbers, Bayley saw this as an opportunity to stand out in the industry and enhance her employability.
After extensive research, she enrolled on a nine-week intensive barbering course at Thomas Lloyd’s Barbering Academy, designed to provide real-world experience and lead to a full NVQ Level 2 qualification in barbering. The course involved working on live models and covered both traditional and continuity-based cutting techniques tailored to the needs of film and television work.
However, with the course and equipment totalling around £4,000, the cost posed a major challenge. Determined not to let this stop her, Bayley explored potential funding opportunities and was encouraged by contacts at Screen Alliance Wales to apply for a BAFTA Bursary Grant.
The process involved a written application explaining how the bursary would support her professional development, followed by an interview with BAFTA representatives. Out of a few hundred applicants, Bayley was one of only ten people chosen to receive the award, securing £2,000 which covered half of her course fees.
“I was over the moon to find out I’d been awarded the bursary,” Bayley said. “It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and made it possible for me to complete the course and focus entirely on developing my skills.”
The recognition also led to an unforgettable opportunity, an invitation to meet Prince William, President of BAFTA, who personally congratulated the bursary winners and learned about their ambitions.
“Meeting Prince William was an unforgettable experience, he was genuinely kind, engaging, and interested in our goals and aspirations. It was both inspiring and surreal to have such recognition and encouragement at this stage in my career.”
Bayley went on to excel in the course, achieving 100% in both exams and passing all her practical assessments. The training not only strengthened her technical confidence but also gave her valuable experience working with a diverse range of clients, including those with hearing difficulties, language barriers, and additional needs.
“The highlight of the course for me was working with clients with autism,” Bayley explained. “As someone with experience with high-functioning autism within my family, I could really understand how these clients might feel in a new or overwhelming environment. I wanted to make sure they had a calm and enjoyable experience. It was so rewarding to see their confidence grow through something as simple as a haircut.”
Reflecting on her placement year, Bayley said:
“This year in industry has helped me grow as both an artist and a person. I now feel more confident and prepared to take on my final year, with a clearer mindset and stronger foundation for my practice. My placements have taught me valuable skills such as adaptability, planning, and creative problem-solving. All of which will help me approach my final projects with structure and confidence.”
Bayley’s experience is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through the placement year opportunities offered within the School of Design and Creative Arts. Her story shows how curiosity, perseverance, and creativity can lead to extraordinary personal and professional growth, and even royal recognition along the way.