For Amber, owner of Michael John Hair Artwork, apprenticeships are not a new idea or a short-term solution. They are a long-standing part of the salon’s success story.
Established for 52 years, Michael John Hair Artwork has been employing apprentices for 45 of them, helping to shape future talent while building a strong, skilled and professional salon team. Over the last seven years, the salon has worked closely with Heart of England Training (HOET), creating a partnership that Amber says has made a real difference to the development of apprentices in the workplace.
Their story is a brilliant example of why hairdressing apprenticeships for employers continue to be such a valuable investment — not only for the learner, but for the future of the business too.
A long-term commitment to developing talent
Amber’s commitment to apprenticeships comes from a genuine passion for helping people grow within the hairdressing industry.
“As a salon, we’ve always been passionate about developing future talent within the industry,” she explains. “Taking on apprentices allows us to train to a high standard from the very beginning.”
That approach has brought clear benefits to Michael John Hair Artwork over the years. By supporting apprentices from the start of their career, the salon is able to build stylists who understand the business, the team culture and the level of client care expected from day one.
For Amber, this is one of the strongest reasons for employers to consider apprenticeships. Rather than simply filling a vacancy, apprenticeships offer the chance to invest in someone’s long-term future while also strengthening the salon itself.
A positive partnership with Heart of England Training
Amber speaks very positively about the salon’s experience of working with HOET, highlighting the value of strong communication and ongoing support.
“Our experience with HOET has been extremely positive,” she says. “The communication between the training team and the salon has always been professional, supportive and proactive.”
She also emphasises how important that support is when employers are fully involved in an apprentice’s development. “We are heavily involved in our apprentices’ development and there is always someone available to offer guidance or answer questions when needed.”
This collaborative approach is one of the reasons Michael John Hair Artwork has continued to work closely with HOET. According to Amber, the relationship between employer, educator and apprentice creates a more joined-up experience for everyone involved, helping apprentices progress with confidence.
She believes this is one of the reasons the programme stands out. “The combination of practical training and theory along with the ongoing support makes the programme stand out,” she says. “The communication between the educators, apprentices and employers is also a real strength and helps ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.”
How apprentices add value to the salon
Amber is clear that apprentices bring far more than extra support. They contribute to the culture, energy and future development of the salon.
“Apprentices bring enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to learn that has a really positive impact on the whole team,” she says.
As they grow in confidence, they begin contributing in more and more meaningful ways, from client care and salon standards to daily operations and business growth. The training they receive through HOET gives them a solid foundation in both technical ability and professional behaviours, helping them become increasingly independent in a busy salon environment.
Amber explains that apprentices develop a wide range of qualities that make them valuable team members. “We’ve seen apprentices develop confidence, resilience, communication skills, professionalism and a strong work ethic,” she says. “These qualities are just as important as technical ability and make a valuable contribution to the team as a whole.”
This is exactly why hairdressing apprenticeships for employers can be so impactful. They do not just prepare learners for assessments — they help shape professionals who can thrive in a real working salon.
From Saturday worker to senior stylist
One of the most powerful parts of Amber’s interview is the example she shares of an apprentice who has grown significantly within the business.
“One of my apprentices joined us as a Saturday worker whilst still at school and is now a senior stylist handling colour corrections on a weekly basis,” she says.
It is a brilliant reflection of what can happen when talent is nurtured over time in the right environment. Amber describes one of the most rewarding parts of the process as watching someone go from feeling unsure of themselves to becoming a confident professional.
“Watching that growth in confidence and skill is a fantastic reflection of what the apprenticeship programme can achieve.”
Stories like this show why employers who invest in apprenticeships are also investing in the future strength of their team. With the right training, support and mentoring, apprentices can progress into highly skilled, trusted members of staff who understand the salon inside and out.
Fresh ideas for a modern salon
Alongside developing core salon skills, Amber also values the fresh perspective that apprentices can bring to the business.
“Apprentices often bring fresh perspectives, particularly around social media and current trends,” she says. “Their enthusiasm for exploring new ideas helps keep conversations current and encourages the whole team to continue developing and evolving.”
In a fast-moving industry like hairdressing, that openness to new trends and ideas can be a real asset. It means apprentices are not only learning from experienced professionals, but also adding something new to the wider team dynamic.
Looking ahead
For Amber, there is no doubt that apprentices will continue to play an important role in the future of Michael John Hair Artwork.
“Without question,” she says. “Apprentices will continue to play an important role in the future growth of our salon.”
She adds: “They represent the next generation of hairdressers and investing in their development helps ensure the future success of both our business and the industry as a whole.”
Amber’s story is a strong reminder of the lasting value of hairdressing apprenticeships for employers. They help salons develop skilled professionals, strengthen team culture and build for the future with confidence.
For salon owners considering taking on an apprentice, her advice is simple: see it as a long-term investment. With the right support, patience and mentoring, apprentices can become incredibly valuable members of the team.
If you are an employer looking to grow your business, develop future talent and benefit from expert support along the way, partnering with Heart of England Training could be the next step.
