Top employer talks about the benefits of apprentices to a salon business

Daniel Neaves, owner of DKN Hair in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, and ambassador for professional haircare brand Affinage, shares with HJi the benefits of apprentices to a salon business. As one of the top 100 employers in the UK and the winner of the National Apprenticeship awards for the South West 2013, it's safe to say Daniel knows his stuff when it comes to apprentices. His ongoing apprentice scheme not only ensures a continuous source of employees that are trained to his impressive standards, but also the quality of the training equates to loyal staff; three of his current senior stylists began as apprentices ten years ago. Here he talks about the benefits of apprentices to a salon business. Why is it worth investing in apprentices? Apprentices are the future workforce for the UK. It is really important and employers have a duty to invest their time, money and energy into our future. We need to continue the message and educate people that hairdressing is a serious career choice with enormous potential and variety, not only within the salon but involving travel, shows and photographic work. How does your apprentice scheme work? We have a training programme where apprentices go on day-release to Exeter College and receive training at the salon two evenings each week.  We begin with the basics; teach them the rules and then how to break them. We get them involved in shows as assistants and they can then take steps from behind the scenes to assisting on the stage through to finally doing their own stage work.  It is about building their confidence, really nurturing their potential and showing them what they can achieve.  How do you select the right apprentices? As an employer you need to look beyond the person that is washing hair and clearing up and tap into those qualities that will make them a great hairdresser.  However, my advice to salons looking at apprenticeship schemes is to choose your staff carefully and ask yourself these questions:

• Have they done their research on your company? This always shows that they have a genuine interest.
• Do they have a good work ethic?  So someone who is not a clock-watcher, who has a willingness to make the effort and get involved.
• Do they have a positive outlook? In this industry, it is important to smile and have an upbeat attitude.

If your apprentice has these qualities, the rest will come. For me a great apprentice is someone who has the right attitude and wants to learn. How can an employer get the best out of their apprentices? Good communication with your apprentices is vital.  You need to take time to find their strengths and really bring them out.  You also need to be prepared to help them overcome their weaknesses and fears.  What do enthusiastic apprentices bring to a salon business? As an employer you are looking to strengthen your brand and grow the business and the great thing about having young people around is that they help keep you fresh and you can really learn from them. They are close to what’s new whether it is street fashion or the latest technology.  What I love about my apprentices is that their very rawness. Their outlook and ideas truly inject vital energy into my business and that combined with a willingness to learn makes for a future of great hairdressers.