How to Recruit New Quality Apprentices

Finding a skilled, motivated apprentice to grow within your salon can be challenging. Knowing how and where to find the right candidate is essential. Whether that's by building strong relationships outside the salon or leveraging your client network to spread the word. Let’s dive into some key tips and strategies to help you attract an apprentice who's the right fit for your salon.

Partnering with Schools for Student Work Experience

An effective way to attract quality apprentices to your salon is to proactively approach schools with a clear, professional proposal that highlights the benefits of work experience at your salon. Start with a simple phone call or email to connect with the right contact, such as a Head of Year or Head Teacher. To ensure you receive a passionate and motivated student, clearly outline both what your salon offers, from hands-on learning to mentorship, and the qualities you're looking for in an ideal work experience candidate. This approach will help attract students who are genuinely interested in hairdressing and eager to make the most of the opportunity.
Offering to meet with school representatives or to give a short presentation about the salon to students during career days can further strengthen the salon’s relationship with the school and increase student interest. By showing that they are committed to mentoring young people and creating a safe, educational experience, hairdressers can build trust with schools and encourage them to refer students.
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Build Relationships With Local Colleges

Networking with local colleges is an amazing way to recruit motivated apprentices, this can build a relationship which is mutually benefital. You can offer them industry knowledge such as career advice, and work placements for their students. While they can provide you with a direct insight into the next generation of hairdressers.
Attending college open days is an excellent way to connect with potential apprentices and gain insights into what draws the new generation to the hairdressing industry. Engaging with students at these events not only helps you build valuable face-to-face connections but also deepens your understanding of how to effectively promote your apprenticeship opportunities beyond the event, such as through targeted social media campaigns.
To connect with your local colleges and start this journey check out your local college group website, this will provide you with many options to figure out what you would like to offer as a salon. An example of a local scheme is, Business Plus at South Hampshire College Group is a go-to provider for all professional development, training and apprenticeship needs. Priding themselves in their strong partnerships with local employers.
Alternatively, contact your local colleges directly to see what programmes they offer for local businesses like yourself.

Stand Out From Your Competitors

It’s likely that your competitors are seeking the same qualities in an apprentice that you are, making the search even more challenging. One way to set your salon apart is by offering a wage above the minimum, if possible. Paying more than the legal minimum can be a powerful incentive for the right candidate to choose your salon, as it demonstrates value beyond the basics.
 

In addition to competitive pay, many salons use creative benefits to attract and retain young talent. Highlight perks like employee discounts or educational workshops to make your salon more appealing. Some salons even cover the cost of an apprentice’s hairdressing kit, with the agreement that the apprentice will stay for at least a year to develop their skills. If they leave before the agreed time, they repay the kit’s cost. This approach has proven effective, encouraging apprentices to stay committed and giving them an added reason to stick with their training.

 
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Creating Community In Your Salon

Bringing an apprentice into your salon positions it as a hub of skill-building, growth, and development. This commitment not only enhances your salon's professional reputation, attracting prospective employees and clients but also appeals to potential investors by demonstrating a strong commitment to cultivating talent.

Additionally, taking on an apprentice can boost team morale and performance, fostering a greater sense of community. Your staff will likely take pride in mentoring the apprentice, supporting them as they grow. In turn, the apprentice will feel valued and well-supported, increasing the likelihood that they will remain loyal to your business in the long run.

This can create word of mouth marketing for your apprentice schemes, making your more salon of an appealing work place compared to others in the area.

Reaching Out On Social Media

Social media is essential for connecting with younger generations. A single post can be shared freely by multiple people, helping spread the word with minimal effort. A straightforward grid post can highlight what you’re looking for in an apprentice, or you could get creative with a reel or TikTok that showcases your salon’s personality. These posts serve not only as a visual guide on how to apply but also as an invitation to explore your work, events, and achievements. Think of your social media as a preview of what it’s like to be part of your salon’s dynamic environment.
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Whatever your business needs, apprenticeships offer the flexibility to cultivate specific skills and professionalism that will help prepare your salon for the future. By thoughtfully selecting and developing an apprentice, you not only invest in new talent but also create a competitive advantage, nurturing the next generation of passionate, skilled professionals in your field. There is no better time to invest in your business and recruit an apprentice.

The goverment also offer a range of different types of funding for businesses who want to take on apprentices to find out which one suits you best - read more about goverment funding here.