WHAT DO APPRENTICES WANT?

As part of HJ’s Apprentice Week, we asked apprentices to share their hopes for the future and to give us an insight into the challenges they’ve faced during the pandemic

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS?

Feelings of worry and fear for the future
“There is so much uncertainty. My goals and dreams haven’t changed, but will I be able to fulfil them? Will this delay in training affect my career? I’m still in love with hairdressing but I’m scared about the coming years. I know life will not be the same for quite a while and that is a scary thought, but once we do get back to ‘normal’ I can’t wait to hug my team, spend time with my clients and get back to doing what I love.

Trying to stay positive and motivated
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced over this past year has been trying to stay positive and motivated in the most uncertain times. I just have to remind myself that we’re all in the same boat.”

Not having face-to-face training
“The team at Brooks & Brooks have given us as much training as possible and I’m so grateful to them but I’ve really missed face-to-face learning. I’ve been spending my time on various platforms including L’Oréal Access to keep learning as much as I can.”

Completing the qualifying year during a pandemic
“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 I was able to have my End-Point Assessment. I was awarded a distinction and I was over the moon. It was a good end to such a dreadful year!”

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM SALON OWNERS AND EDUCATORS IN 2021?

One-to-one sessions
“While training is online, it would be good to have one-on-one training to discuss what may not have been understood properly in the live demos. Also, I’d love more information sheets to help with my theory knowledge.”

Help with entering competitions
“Training in the salon is the most important experience for apprentices. We’d also love to be shown more of the competition side of the industry, photo shoots and how to be featured in magazines.”

Affordable courses
“2020 was a financially difficult year for all of us so I’d love education courses to be a little more affordable in 2021.”

Clients to work with in the salon
“Slowly introducing me into training and letting me bring in models to the salon to show what I can do has really helped me. It’s forced me to get out of my comfort zone and I believe having clients in the salon would be a great achievement for me this year.”

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?

Win awards within the industry
“In February 2020 I was delighted to win my first ever hairdressing award at Rainbow Room International. 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. One of my goals within my career is to be a successful hairstylist and win many more awards.”

Build a sustainable client base
“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.”

Own a salon and become a celebrity hairstylist
“My goals for the future are to have my own successful salon business and expand my services beyond hairdressing. My dream is to become a celebrity hairstylist."

Become a colour specialist
“I want to become the best hairstylist I can be and progress to completing the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Specialist course.”

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY?

Keep sharing educational content
“During lockdown I was still able to learn and practise techniques by watching HJ Goes Live and HJ Upskills, Wella Professionals sessions and Medusa’s online sessions. It showed how creative and individual we are as an industry. I can’t wait to become a stylist like those I’ve watched and my message to the industry is to keep sharing content.”

Be open-minded
“I’d like to encourage everyone to be open-minded to change and new ideas. As young assistants and stylists we want to know that our voice will be heard when we have new ideas or opinions on trends and techniques.”