PS Apprenticeships

This week is #NationalApprenticeshipWeek and to join in we are sharing a new interview with our recent graduates Amy and Sammi which documents their journey from junior to graduate to stylist. Amy and Sammi both undertook their training at PS Hairdressing and have recently been promoted to Salon Stylists. We are so lucky to have had them start their hairdressing journey with us and reach such an important milestone. With it being #NationalApprenticeshipWeek this is the perfect time to reflect on everything they have achieved so far at PS Hairdressing. Included in the interview below is a conversation with Pippa, our salon trainer, about being an ITS assessor and how she was able to support those she has trained.

Interview with Amy...

Amy completed her NVQs in 2011 and has continued to work here two days per week.  Working part time has meant that Amy took a little longer to build her confidence with clients.  She is now such an accomplished hairdresser.

1.     Why did you decide to become a hairdresser?

Wanted to be a teacher but thought later I could teach hairdressing.  After starting as a Saturday girl.  Was going to be a beautician.  Did hairdressing vocational course in year 10 & 11 because there was a space on the course.  Started as a Saturday girl at PS Hairdressing at age 15.  Pippa suggested training after I finished school- I thought it would be worth a try.

2.     How old were you when you decided to become a hairdresser?

15

3.     Why did you decide to train within a salon, rather than a college?

I didn’t want to go to college at all so when the opportunity to train in salon came up it was perfect.

4.      Can you remember early interactions with clients?

In early interactions with clients I was very nervous.  I was quiet and found it hard to initiate conversation but enjoyed chatting when clients started the conversation. 

I was really nervous about early hair cutting, my hands would shake as I took the first snip.

5.     How did you feel when you passed your NVQs?

Happy:  I was pregnant so had an extra time pressure to complete my NVQ before my baby arrived.  I was so relieved to have everything done and felt I had accomplished a lot.

6.     Were there any moments that made you want to quit?

It was a big change going from school with all the holidays to working full time.  This was hard to cope with at the beginning but I soon got used to it.

7.     What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about becoming a hairdresser?

Never give up- it’s worth all the stress.  The apprentice wage is quite low so you can’t afford to do all the things you might want to in your time off but it pays off in the long term.

Thank you to my trainer Pippa, for never giving up on me.

Interview with Sammi...

Sammi first came to us on work experience in 2010.  She completed her NVQs in 2014 and has continued to grow

1.     Why did you decide to become a hairdresser?

My top choices were singing and acting when I was a kid but I couldn’t do these well.  Hairdressing was my next favourite thing.

2.     How old were you when you decided you wanted to become a hairdresser?

14- when I did my work experience at PS Hairdressing.  I wanted to do vocational course in hairdressing at school but I wasn’t allowed.

3.     Why did you decide to train within a salon, rather than a college?

I got offered a place at PS.  I did my work experience here and liked everyone. 

4.     Can you remember early interactions with clients?

My friend came in when I first started training.  I was only learning how to blowdry at this stage, when Pippa asked who cut her hair she dropped me in it and said “Sammi did!” Pippa didn’t mind though. 

5.     How did you feel when you passed your NVQs?

Excited and nervous- the next step would be looking after clients outside of a training situation.

6.     Were there any moments that made you want to quit?

When I made a mistake- it made me doubt my ability to be a good hairdresser.

7.     What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about becoming a hairdresser?

Definitely do it in a salon and don’t worry- your feet won’t ache forever.  Look after your wrists.

Interview with Pippa, Salon Trainer and ITS Assessor...

1.     Why did you become a hairdresser?

It was my mum’s idea.  My mum said to me you’ve always loved messing about with people’s hair why don’t you become a hairdresser.  That was when I was 15 and I’ve never regretted that decision.

2.     Why did you train within a salon, rather than a college?

Apprenticeships were the recommended way to train, alongside day release at college.

3.     Were there any moments that made you want to quit?

No

4.     What did you find tricky when you first started training?

Understanding haircut shapes and the way to angle the layers to achieve a good finished result.

5.     When did you decide to become an ITS assessor?

After I opened my own salon in 2008.  I wanted to be able to pass on what I know .  Also to try and achieve continuity for clients within the salon, ie, if I’m not there I know the people I have trained cut hair the same way I do.

6.     How many people have you trained?

I have trained 7 apprentices to NVQ.

7.     What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of becoming a hairdresser?

Try to arrange some interviews, Saturday work or work experience within a salon to really understand what a lovely working environment it is.  You need to be able to listen: in the early days you will need to listen to your trainer and your team.  Ultimately the most important people you will need to listen to during your hairdressing career will be your clients.

Try to get your GCSE Maths and English C or above.  While you can do functional skills alongside your NVQs there’s so much learning to do with hairdressing it’s good to get the C grade GCSEs under your belt to take some of the pressure off.

8.     Why would you recommend an apprenticeship over college training?

I would recommend an apprenticeship because you really learn what it is to be a hairdresser.  You’re able to spend so much more time with clients and you’re constantly learning, without sometimes even realising it.  You get the privilege to watch great hairdressers at work.  And understand the enjoyment of the profession.  Hairdressing is constantly changing and evolving- to be working within that environment while you’re training.  You learn how to adapt what you’re doing to each client.  It is also easier to gain self confidence when you are working with people who have already completed their training and come out the other side.