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!
The most satisfying part of my job role is inspiring students to have the confidence to become beauty therapists and work in their dream careers.
I love working with such keen and dedicated staff and students. I also like how every day is different because we attract such a wide range of students including year 11 from local high schools aged 16-18 who apply to the full time courses, to adult students who attend the part time courses. It’s nice to work with so many people from all different backgrounds and cultures who share a passion for cooking.
My role is to work alongside the tutors and students to ensure the work placements are secured, completed and recorded in line with procedural requirements. This is a simple description, as there is a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure this happens! I see good communication, administration, attention to detail and patience as key attributes of the role.
It’s really difficult to state just one thing I love about working at Lancaster & Morecambe College because there are so many! I really wanted to work here because the college has a fantastic reputation. I love introducing new ways of working and keeping up with relevant trends to improve the course, and I really enjoy the supportive environment that we create for our students.
Behind every great business is a fantastic accountant! AAT qualifications are highly valued and they can really push you to achieve great things in your career. The whole team at LMC are dedicated and excited about giving you the best possible start in your new journey!
Teaching is my favourite part of the role, I love being able to help people reach that lightbulb moment in class! I also enjoy being able to inspire the next generation of Residential workers.