How have apprentices coped during the coronavirus pandemic?

The Coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone within the hairdressing industry but it brought with it unique challenges for apprentices needing to study and practise their hairdressing craft. For National Apprentice Week, HJ has spoken to a number of apprentices about how the Coronavirus pandemic has affected them, what they have learned about themselves, their hopes for the future and their biggest concerns and worries.

What have apprentices learned from their Coronavirus pandemic experiences

Chloe Ward, Lauren Holberry-Quinn, Elisia Dougherty and Nikki Marriot, apprentices at Sally Montague Hair Group for L'Oréal Professionnel Paris listed confidence as the main trait they have learned during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Lauren says: "I've learned to trust my instincts and be confident in my work." Elisia agrees and adds the team are always open to answering any questions, which really helps. Nikki who is a level 3 apprentice explains her confidence has grown not only in herself but she's also pleased to say it's grown for her practical and theory work as well. Chloe is finding she's enjoying the role and having a great team to support and guide her and she's had to grow her confidence because she's had to try and find models between salon lockdowns. Brooke Hardie, apprentice stylist at Rainbow Room International Royal Exchange Square learned a lot about herself during lockdown. Brooke says: "I’ve learned to do a lot on my own and have became a lot more independent. I've learned to cook and stay active as much as possible, as I would normally be working in a busy environment where you’re on your feet all day. I’ve also learned to cope with spending time on my own as before I was always out with friends, socialising, and being in a busy working environment." Amy Laing, graduate stylist at David Corbett, Glasgow realised her job is a huge part of her life so not being able to go to work has been tough.  Amy says: "I understand more clearly that a very important part of my job is communicating and interacting with others, whilst making people feel beautiful. Therefore, to go from experiencing this every day to not doing this at all has been difficult as I am a very sociable person." Courtney Gicquel, hairdressing apprentice at Anne Veck Oxford and training provider Introtrain has learned that if she puts her mind to the tasks she is set, she can accomplish them to the best of her ability.  Courtney says: "I have also realised that I’ve picked up so many new skills whilst working at Anne Veck Oxford without realising it, the experience is amazing and I am learning every single day. Roni Moskwa, apprentice junior stylist at NJUK Hair & Beauty, Clowne, Chesterfield and second year student at Creator Hair Academy, Sheffield has learned she's a strong and independent character who is extremely work-driven.  Roni says: "Throughout lockdown I have completed a number of Wella Professionals and Sassoon courses to keep my brain active and to expand my hair knowledge, as well as finalising in the Wella Xposure awards 2020 which I was extremely happy about as that was my first ever competition to have entered." Megan Heneachon, apprentice hairdresser at Blu Hair and Beauty and training provider Intuitions School of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy has learned resilience and being able to adapt to different environments are key to being successful in the hairdressing industry.  Megan says: "I am proud that I have still continue with many aspects of my development and have been able to work closely with my training provider to complete much of the theoretical aspects of my apprenticeship although it has also been frustrating that I could not always complete some exams due to lockdown restrictions so I have also had to learn to be patient. I have explored different ways of learning the practical skills and online education has really helped me with this." Anais Peters, apprentice / assistant at scully scully, Godalming has learned how to be disciplined. Anais says: "I've learned that I'm capable of achieving a lot more than I ever expected. I am able to do one length cuts by myself as well as different blow-dry techniques."

The biggest challenges for apprentices during the Coronavirus pandemic

Elliott Brown, graduation stylist at Wills and Parker, Harrogate and studying at Intuitions College explains one of the biggest challenges over the past year has been qualifying.  Elliott says: "I was really unsure of what was going to happen during 2020 and if I would be able to qualify. Luckily, I worked hard and got to have my EPA and I got a distinction! I was over the moon with the results and it was a good end to such a dreadful year!" Anna Burbidge, head junior at Brooks & Brooks Hairdressing, London feels like she hasn't been able to move forward with her training due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Anna says: "The team at Brooks & Brooks have tried their hardest to give us as much training as possible but I really miss face-to-face learning. I’ve been spending my time on various platforms including L’Oreal Access to keep learning as much as I can." Ellie Billie McBride, apprentice hairdresser at Hair By Charlotte, City Skills Campus at Salford City College has found it challenging to stay positive and motivated during uncertain times. Ellie says: "I just have to remind myself how lucky I am to have this time to spend with my family and that we’re all in the same boat." Skye Holford, apprentice hairdresser at Supercuts & Regis, Birmingham found her biggest challenge of 2020 was getting out of her comfort zone and speaking to new people.  Skye says: "At the start of my apprenticeship, I was shy and quiet. Now, I greet every client with a smile and I have built my confidence up over time. Due to COVID-19 we had to wear PPE in the salon. At first it took some time to get used to it and the new way of working. It made it a little bit uncomfortable in the Summer due to the heat in the salon and outside but I would also say that we have all managed to adapt."

What are apprentices biggest worries and concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic

Lucy Hickson, senior apprentice at The Boutique Atelier is concerned about completing her apprenticeship later than expected.  Lucy says: "It’s hard to expand my knowledge and skills at home even with all the fantastic digital options such as L’Oréal Professionnel Access which I have been working my though. I feel like I learn better seeing things day to day in the salon environment and during my hands on sessions." Paige Lawrence, hairdressing apprentice at KJM Salons is worried about the effects that a stilted year will have on her training. Paige says: "My concerns are that this may have pushed things back for me and could in the long run affect the quality of my qualification but I do hope that this won’t happen. With so much training switching to online learning and much of the practical being g either put on hold or taught virtually, I do feel concerned as to how I will fare in comparison to apprentices who may have had more education in much more ’normal’ times whilst training." Erin Pocock, apprentice hairdresser at Hobson and Holmes/ BI Hairdressing is concerned about how the pandemic will affect the hairdressing industry.  Erin says: "There's a high chance a lot of people will not make a comeback from the damage dealt this year. It has not only affected the present but also the future. It will change holidays, jobs, weddings and we will all need to think about the elderly and high-risk groups who are still too worried to socialise. It's had a massive impact on a lot of people's lives already and we're not at the end yet." Katie Marie Harrop, apprentice hairdresser at Hobson & Holmes / BI Hairdressing is worried about falling behind with her studies.   Katie says: "My biggest concern is not being able to learn as much due to lockdowns. I worry I could fall behind and potentially not finish the course when we are supposed to." Hannah Scurr, assistant at The Company Hairdressing is worried her practical skills will be affected by not being able to go into the salon and the academy.  On the plus side, Hannah says: "I’ve had lots more time to focus on theory which I feel is really going to help me pick up my skills quickly when I am able to go back to the salon and academy again."

What are apprentices hopes for the future

Carla Philips, level 2 apprentice at Rainbow Room International George Square is looking forward to getting back into the salon and completing her level 2 and 3 training.  She says: "In February 2020 I was delighted to have won my first ever hairdressing award within the company - I was awarded “Assistant of the year level 2” and it has given me the push and confidence I need to believe in myself and strive for more. The feeling was indescribable. One of my goals within my career is to be a very successful hairstylist and win many more awards. Another goal of mine is to go down the fashion route into hair shows and fashion week. This hass been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember." Jade Roseanne Sinclair, senior apprentice at Gerard Hairdressing is excited to carry on with her education and get more involved in the salon. Jade says: "My goal is to qualify from my apprenticeship at level 2/3 and build a sustainable client base over a couple of years whilst continuing to expand my knowledge within the Goldwell Academy." Tyla Russell, trainee hair stylist at Stephanie Jones Award-Winning Hair & Beauty, Ashby would like to take part in competitions. Tyla says: "My immediate hope for the future is to finally get my level 2 and 3 qualifications. Then the sky is the limit, potentially I want to take part in competitions, do as many different courses to build my knowledge and work my way up to the top of my profession. I will push myself to further my knowledge and education as much as possible." Kelly Halsey, senior apprentice at Iconic Hairdressing and Rays Hair Academy, Cheynes is hoping to complete her level 3 so she can become a junior stylist.  Kelly says: "I'd like to improve my knowledge in colour so I’m able to work independently, I also would love to be able to feel confident in every piece of work I complete."