A NEW business is proving the perfect example of how it is never too late to change career paths.

House of Smith in Scholes is a new salon run by Joseph Smith, who had previously earned his living as a welder and fabricator.

The 26-year old from Bierley made the unusual job switch after studying for an apprenticeship at Bradford College.

Just a few years ago the dad-of one was helping make electrical motors for the mining industry. But he dreamed of cutting it in the hair business instead and decided to re-train in the very different field.

Mr Smith put down his welding tools and picked up the scissors and razors to retrain for his dream job, studying for the apprenticeship and working and gaining experience at Krystal’s Hair and Beauty in Cleckheaton.

After completing the training he has now realised his ambition and started his own business.

Mr Smith said: “It feels brilliant to have my own place.

“There has been a lot of hard work to get here but it has been worth it. I am so excited to start growing the business now.

“I spent four-and-a-half years as a fabricator welder and then production engineer and it was a good job but I had always styled friends’ hair and had the desire to make that my career.

“I have to thank my mum and my partner, Verity, for their support.

“Without their backing I wouldn’t have been able to do this.”

The salon, located on Scholes Lane, is in the former bridal shop, Elegance, which has been decorated in an “old-school British” style according to Mr Smith and includes beauty treatment rooms as well as the main hair salon.

While he intends to do all the cutting, colouring and styling of hair by himself, initially, he hopes to take on an apprentice of his own eventually.

He added: “I am a big fan of the apprenticeship system. You can’t beat experience in the workplace.”

Bradford College offers a number of hairdressing courses at various levels including full-time college-based study and apprenticeships.

The college also has a salon which is open to the public where students offer a range of salon services at discount prices.