A HAIRDRESSING apprentice, who collapsed at a rugby training session six years ago, has bounced back to secure a two-week work experience placement in Spain.

Owen Grey, 23, who lives near Milford Haven and works at Todaros hair salon, collapsed at rugby training when he was 17.

Luckily there was paramedic on hand to save his life.

Four weeks of hospital tests failed to find a heart defect but he has been fitted with a personal defibrillator as a precaution.

After spending some time travelling, Owen returned to Wales and began an apprenticeship in hairdressing and barbering, and this week will enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime in Tarragona, Spain.

Along with six other hair and beauty apprentices from South Wales, Owen will spend 15 days working in salons, attending workshops at the Schwarzkopf Academy, Barcelona, and the Institute Cal Lipolis, the college partner for the visit.

"I always wanted a job which involved communication because I enjoy meeting new people, so working in a hairdressing salon is perfect for me," said Owen.

"I love my job and am always learning new things.

"My ambition is to complete my levels two and three in hairdressing and barbering and, hopefully, one day have my own salon.

"I am looking forward to the culture in Spain and seeing what differences there are with their hairdressing, especially the colouring.

"I am hoping to learn new techniques to bring back to the salon."

Owain's foundation apprenticeship in hairdressing is being delivered by HB Training, part of ISA Training - the largest independent hair and beauty training provider in Wales.

Berni Tyler, ISA Training's managing director, said: "The work placement is designed to show the apprentices the exciting career opportunities that exist in Spain and introduce them to the country's culture.

"We want to enhance the learning experience and inspire our learners to realise that hairdressing and beauty therapy are professions that can grant them a passport to travel the world."