Mum of twins, mental health advocate and trailblazer in the makeup industry, Jenny Rhodes Mclean is a Makeup and Hair artist, Superviser & now Designer - with over a decade of experience. In-between her work on the sensational period drama 'Bridgerton', and Netflix hits 'Black Earth Rising' and 'Cursed' Jenny still finds time to revolutionise the industry by implementing Swing Shifts and creating a flexible working project - An initiative intent on building a community that supports those in need of more work life balance.On top of all that, Jenny shares her experience and wisdom weekly on her Instagram by answering any inquiries trainees and makeup artist have about the industry. This week on Trainee Tuesday Jenny explains how she found her current trainee and highlights why she hired Ava Gillies (@avagillies). Junior Hair and Makeup artist Ava then shares her experience in making the tranisition from a trainee to a junior.___________I met Ava last year, she reached out on Instagram after a daily trainee shout out. The reason I chose Ava - was her reply was short, clear, professional & gave me all the information I’d asked for. She sent me a nicely designed 1 page CV. She told me the date she would finish her current job. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - The last date she would have a valid PCR test & the lab her production was using.This was the perfect reply, meaning I could instantly hire her without having to ask all the questions and I could get on with my busy day. Yes social media is a relaxed platform - but you need to keep it professional if you want that job!__________✨A V A ‘S STORY✨Ava - How I went from a Trainee to junior role'I graduated from Delamar Academy in Summer 2019, and I had been working as a trainee in Film/HETV for just under two years before I stepped up. + I interviewed for a tv series in October 2020. During the interview there was potential for me taking the role of either a trainee or junior. However because of my current experience at the time, and the needs of the production we decided on a trainee role.Two weeks into the prep I was put forward for a job as a junior but on a different production. I was keen to accept this job for many reasons.After speaking with the designer and supervisor on my current tv production it was agreed that I would stay with my current production and they would change my contract and step me up to a junior at Christmas. This unfortunately never materialised.However a few weeks before the production I was on wrapped, was approached for a junior role on a different series. After another discussion with my designer at the time, they were happy for me to leave my current job early on this occasion, and I started working as a junior in March 2021. I think the things I learnt from stepping up, is that you know yourself when you're ready. I was lucky that my own suspicions of feeling ready were confirmed by being asked to step up by different teams, so the process felt very natural. I was confident in my skills and was grateful for the acknowledgement fromdepartment heads that my skills were good enough to be put into use consistently. I think I also learnt that having open and honest conversations with your designers and supervisors about your situation and feelings can really help. As scary as initiating the conversation might be. They may agree that you're ready to step up and act accordingly. Or if they disagree, it's a great opportunity to get constructive feedback and advice!'✨A V A ‘S A D V I C E✨'The mindset of “but this isn’t my job anymore!” isn’t cool and should be stayed well away from - especially because it can be so easy to fall into. The teams that work best together as a unit help each other out no matter what position you’re working in.Don’t assume because you’ve stepped up you can’t step back down. I’ve taken dailies on jobs as a trainee since stepping up to a junior, for many reasons. It may be for teams I’ve always wanted to work with or for jobs with skills that may not be my strongest so I can learn. Don’t rush stepping up. It’s important to understand the bottom if you want to work at the top.And if you’re working as a trainee currently and trying to step up, really show your skills and that you’re keen to do practical work. Watch everyone during the call, try replicate it during the day (if time allows).'Great & wise advice! Give Ava a follow, (@avagillies) she’s an incredible junior & I’m sure she will continue to have a brilliant career.*Everything posted has been shared with Ava’s approval*If you have a question for Jenny and would like it to be featured on Trainee Tuesdays, be sure to follow her instagram @Jennyrhodesmclean