As I was a Hairdressing Apprentice at Lancaster & Morecambe College over 10 years ago, when I opened my own salon I really wanted to help a young person to learn the skills of the industry and pass on my knowledge.
Lauren first joined Lancaster & Morecambe College over 10 years ago straight after school as a student on the Hair & Beauty Introduction Level 1 course, before progressing onto the Hairdressing Level 2 full time course. Following the Level 2 course she decided she wanted to do a Hairdressing Apprenticeship and started her career as a Hair Stylist working in local salons to build up her skills and experiences.
Lauren has come full circle in her industry and achieved her dream of opening her very own salon The Locks Lounge in Morecambe, and has just taken on her own Hairdressing Apprentice.
As I was a Hairdressing Apprentice at Lancaster & Morecambe College over 10 years ago, when I opened my own salon I really wanted to help a young person to learn the skills of the industry and pass on my knowledge. I really enjoyed working in the salons as an apprentice and learning new skills at the College.
Less than a month after opening The Locks Lounge, we spoke to Lauren to find out how she found hiring an apprentice, and how an apprentice can benefit her business.
I can definitley recommend the Apprenticeship scheme as it gives young people the time to come into the salon and work on their skills, meet new people and learn from other stylists, The benefit to the business is that while an Apprentice is earning an income and training, their role is crucial to the business in helping the stylists preparing toners, doing shampoos and helping getting units ready.
I prefered the apprenticeships to the full time course as I learnt so much more when I worked in the industry, as I was able to carry out the practical side of my course in busy hairdressing salons,
Lauren worked with the Employer Engagement team at College and says that the whole process of taking on an Apprentice was easy to manage with the help of the Employer Advisor staff, as they help to guide you through the whole process.
It's really easy to take on an Apprentice, the staff at College have been great and have helped me through the whole process. I actually had a lot of interest in my vacancy and so I definitely recomend working with the Employer Team at the College.
When asked about any advice Lauren would suggest to business owner's regarding taking on an Apprentice, she suggested,
I would suggest taking on a young person initially on a trial basis before you take anyone of full time, as not every apprentice is right for your business. Starting your own business is never easy, but I feel that I have come along way since my time at Lancaster & Morecambe College, and highly recommend opening your own salon, and hiring an Apprentice to anyone that is thinking about it!
I would recommend LMC as a fantastic place to study sport and continue your development and interests in football. Your studies link to your football development as much as possible, helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experiences to pursue a career in sport in the future.
My favourite part of my role is being able to recall my industry knowledge and then passing it onto my students. The knowledge I have from working in the industry gives the students a better understanding of real life situations and how to transfer their skills into future careers.
Come and join us here as LMC! You’ll gain new skills, use industry standard equipment, be taught by a dedicated team of specialists who are passionate about educating you to a higher skills level, so that you can gain an Apprenticeship or full time employment.
My favourite part of this role is working with such an amazing team here at Lancaster & Morecambe College, and also being able to pass on my industry knowledge to all my students and support them in their journey to becoming a Beauty Therapist.
Industry specific apprenticeships are a great way to learn new skills and knowledge, achieve a recognised qualification and earn a wage. Customer service is the corner stone of every successful business, and courses at LMC will help you identify, improve and introduce these skills successfully.
All you need to start the Supported Internship course is enthusiasm, motivation, energy and determination. As the course progresses, you will develop your employability, personal and social skills, which will enable you to increase your independence and develop your confidence and self-esteem. All of these new skills will ensure that you are better prepared to enter the workplace as a skilled and effective employee.