Hairdressing: Apprenticeships training career

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:  regular postings of fresh new topic's

Lets consider apprenticeship and the training it offers!

Is becoming a apprentice the way forward for you. Is doing an apprenticeship the best training. Will it afford you the best opportunities once you have finished your training?

Here in the uk it's fair to say that the government are very keen to promote doing an apprenticeship in most trades. many years ago I myself did an apprenticeship much has changed since those days when at the age of 16 my parents signed papers along with a salon owner committing me to a three year apprentice program. On Reflection I was cheap labor shampoo boy cleaner dogs body. Never given any opportunity to go to college day release.

These days so much has changed and standards of qualification have to be reached. So lets take a look although law's standards differ on a global scale i think the thinking is not that different from country to country.

What is an apprenticeship? 
Apprenticeships enable you to. Practically learn your trade, as well as studying to gain the theory and enable you to receive your qualification. It is a marriage of hands on work experience, as well as having time to get day release to college for your NVQ qualification. They are aimed at young people aged 16 and over, to enable them to earn money whilst gaining experience in a hairdressing environment. Equally importantly the experience gained working in salon environment is invaluable An apprenticeship in hairdressing will normally involve, you working in the salon every day bar one or two when you will be attending college. It can take up to 5 years to qualify as a hairdresser but if your committed work hard show willing this does not have to be the case. So if you have the patience and the commitment to keep at it. Then an apprenticeship would be for you, gaining the experience of salon working  at the same time as doing the college work. The alternative would be college and then having to then find, a salon to gain the experience and skills to be qualified in all aspects of the hairdressing industry.

Are you creative good with your hand? Do you like people? Are you prepared to offer service?

Why do an apprenticeship? 
An apprenticeship enables you to earn a small income.  Whilst working and gaining qualifications needed to become certified .You can use an apprenticeship to gain NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) levels which is what you need to become a qualified hairdresser The main advantage to you as an apprentice, you will also gain many years experience in the practical environment and learn communication skills, people skills, things that are not always best taught at college, as opposed to all that time studying just the theory at college. Employers like to see that their future employees are keen to learn, but also see it as away to bring new energy and levels of talent into the salon team. Because of this salon owners are usually, very keen to take on apprentices

who are committed enthusiastic and willing to work learn be a team player, it's not always easy but it can be very rewarding and fun.

Will I enjoy an apprenticeship? 
When thinking about undertaking a hairdressing apprenticeship, You should be certain that this is the career path you wish to take, hard work for little financial reward long hours. You need to be really focused to be successful, know that you will need to put in the work and organise your time really well to balance salon work, college and personal time, not always easy. I would say it's a life style choice certainly not for everyone. But the rewards can be many, in ways one cannot explain  you must be prepared. To be responsible for all aspects of your life and work ,finding time at work with studying in order to get the most out of it, this can be very challenging, its all about balance. You can’t just work in the salon and not go to college, because this doesn’t meet the requirements of partaking in an apprenticeship scheme. You should also be  prepared to be able to, work as part of a team and as an individual . Make you own choices decisions and live with the consequences for you choices hairdressing has no room for a huge EGO!

Lets face some facts! Answer some questions!

How long does an apprenticeship take? 
This can vary from 1 year to 5; it is dependent on the contract you have drawn up with your employer and on your own ability also.

As a norm 3 years of hard work should get you through to level 2NVQ,. it can take up to five years but within in this you could be, performing many salon tasks. By proving you worth and talent, some salons will promote you and give you opportunity to grow and advance, we all learn and grow at a different pace.

How do I apply to become an apprentice? 
You can call the National Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150600. They will provide you with information as to where your nearest opportunities are. They will advise you on the career you wish to take, they will have access to many employers and be able to advise you on where learning providers are in your area.

You can also get in touch with employers directly. Ask them if they take on apprentices or would be interested in doing so. If they do. Then they will probably arrange to meet you, as they would a proper employee and interview you, to ensure you would be a good investment for them to make.

This being said you should also make sure. It's the right place for you, ask to chat with staff members.maybe offer to do a few trial days. This is a big decision. This is a two way thing both parties have to know agree and be committed to this journey together. Not all salon owners have the best interest of trainee's at heart! Some look at it a cheap labor  so ask the right questions make a list! compare what an apprenticeship offers against college or paying to take a shorter route career path by going to a private Academy ! lots to investigate.

Become part of a team! Learn how to communicate! Maybe gain some stage presence !

  

Use the internet as a tool to help you find. Where takes on apprentices in your area. Additionally, look in your local newspaper and visit your nearest job center. You have to make sure you choose the right apprentice scheme to embark upon as well, so look upon it as finding a job. Check out you college. Find out about the courses, meet some of the instructors, just because they are qualified standards of commitment vary greatly. Make sure you do your research, before applying to ensure that you would be happy, working in the salon you choose and the college you have to attend. This is a big decision.

Explore you creativity discover your self! Hard work but endless possibilities!

Again talk with people. Ask question, read and research. I hope that my blogs help to advise and guide you with this wonderful creative challenging career. 

Mike B2MR

Investing in ones' self

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

As a salon owner are you and your staff trained to a high enough level. Do you have the skills and training. The knowledge and qualification to give you that edge.

As a stylist are you challenging your self to stay current. Stay at the top of your creative game. With all the new techniques and products coming to the market we cannot afford to sit back on what we know. It's not enough.

stage work

Succeeding in any. Cosmetology Endeavor demands quality. Professional skill. Creative talent and technical knowledge. In the hairdressing profession many individuals have good artistic skills. But fail to acquire the technical knowledge needed to make those skills truly great.

Would you like to gain more experience in other aspects of the hairdressing Industry. Maybe your goal is to own your own salon. Have your own freelance business. Maybe Become an Educator for a international hair colour company. A platform artist. Artistic team member. College Tutor. Climb that ladder to Salon Management.

Model set for stage presentation

A world of possibilities some not even mentioned here. What ever your goal your dream you have to stay current and up to date challenge yourself have goals.

Deciding on what path to take, where your true vocation lies is not easy, reaping the rewards from hard work and commitment . Constantly pushing your self striving to be the very best you can.

The hurdle and obstacles can seem immense one has to stay committed and focused. Be prepared to face rejection deal with the emotion of how daunting the journey the adventure can be.

Well you don't have to do it unaided we are here to help. With so many talented drive focused stylist. Industry professional how can you get and keep that edge. Become the chosen one in your field or a business success.

Multi toned highlights.

The interview process.The testing. The practical skills. The live presentation in front of ones peers can all seem so daunting and yet  such a worth while challenge.

What ever your choice. To be top salon stylist. Own your own business become a Platform Artist.

There are no short cuts to success. But understanding what works and why, this can really help you over the hurdles to make the right choice to reach your career destination.

Apart from having the right up to date qualifications. Show a history of commitment through education up dates, prove creativity, show service and consultation skills. Have an interest in business management a willingness and wanting to learn.

Let me share with you my experience to help you get ahead reach your goals.

Most professional product companies and organisations. Hair salons. Training facilities have a clear and defined idea about the quality of skill knowledge and expertise they are looking for.

taking a break!

* How will they interview you.

*What might they ask? How will you respond?

*How can you show you have what they need and are looking for?

* How to demonstrate you have the skills. You have the Knowledge.

                                              It's all Possible

Allow me to  offer some help and advise you share our experience our skills and knowledge. lets remove any surprises lets enlighten you and arm you with the tools needed for success.

We can supply the tools are you ready to do the work take up the challenge to take the next stage in your career journey.

avantgarde looks

So how do we get started?

• Give you an inside look into the world of hairdressing the skills the knowledge the tools required to succeed.
• Reveal what Salon owners, Professional hair companies are looking for are looking for
• Show you how to improve your skills and technical ability Knowledge
• Provide you with real life experience to draw from
• Arm you with the tools you need to succeed

These step by step guides are a must for anyone who's facing and wants to dramatically improve their chances of success of a career growth within the hairdressing world and all the wonderful opportunities it can offer.

Websters defines the word skill as" the ability to use one's skills effectively' Today's Hairdressers must have a strong working knowledge of hair, chemistry, hair structure before you can effectively show your artistic skill through colouring. Sadly there are no short-cuts to knowledge--the more you understand how hair colour works and reacts on human hair fibers, the better prepared you will be to face the challenges that can will and do arise.

Put aside preconceived idea's and lets explore a world of hair colour possibilities together!

So lets get down to business are you ready to get on the colour bus take a journey with us? You can get on and off at your will but the final destination is Correction control!

Investing in oneself!

What does investing in oneself really mean?  Is it costly?  Is it worth while?  Let me tell you, investing in oneself does not have to be financial -  it could simply be time well spent!  We must all look in the mirror and be honest about what needs attention or adjusting, but the real key is knowing, from the bottom of your heart, what you truly want and where you want to go.  Your vision. your dream,your quest.

This of course does not mean that financial expense is not part of this. Sometimes parting with hard earned cash is the driver and the motivator. to seek help, do the work, reap the rewards.

This help comes in many forms. It could be helpful books, seminars, courses, presentations, demonstrations. The key is to have a vision of what you want, where you want your career to go.

Think of your career as a bus journey. Lots of people on board with you, but hey, you're the driver, take your eyes off the road and oops.

We are all in charge of our own destiny we have to make choices live with the consequences challenge ourselves. Share. net work. use professional training bodies her in the Uk HABIA are such  a key part of our industry ,But they too need the support of stylists and professionals.

so be active have and share your voice.Mike B2MR

Our hair career. Time to look in the mirror.

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

How often as stylist do we take the time to look in the mirror?  Do a personal inventory on ourselves this  is the time to honest reflect on where we are at where we want to get to.

Are we reaching our full potential? Are we offering the best service possible? Do we need a refresher a little update maybe learn or improve on a skill.

Products tools techniques constantly change so must we.  Staying in the safety of zone of what we know never pushing the envelope can and will lead to stagnation boredom!

Sometimes we need to remind our selves of our dreams our goals. What  was it we really wanted to do?  What were the heights we wanted to reach? All easy to forget pushed to the side as other things come into our lives and take president.

The skills we have to have for. Success in our industry to maintain our profession image. We are in the service industry first and foremost make no mistake about this one.

Service. Our communication skills. Our listening skills. Our attention to detail. How we project and represent our selves. Honesty. Humility. Style all key assets to success.

Skills: Product knowledge. Hands on techniques .Creative vision.

All of these skills and talents are. Who we are. What we do! From time to time we forget. That to stay at the top of our game we need to invest in our selves.

A little maintenance are we offering the highest standard of service possible are we getting a little complacent {it takes a big person to say yes!}  are our skills up to date product knowledge!

is it time to seek a little professional help.

Maybe a colour refresher class maybe learn a new razor cutting technique. Want to improve on those up do looks. Maybe just talk about ways to improve the salon day to day running the client experience sales!

How can you find help?  Days can be structured to suit what ever you want to cover. A fresh set of eyes and new perspective on things can open up a whole new exciting era of change.

If reading this you think hey this is me then send that e-mail pick up the phone lets chat let take a journey together.

My web site has all my contact information and full bio on me anything is possible all you have to be is willing!

                                     http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/

Thank you Mike B2MR