For Ella Johnson, owner of Ella J Hair, developing new talent isn’t just about growing a business — it’s about building a team with shared values, skills, and passion. Since opening her Midlands-based salon nearly two years ago, Ella has already supported two apprentices through their hairdressing qualifications, with the help of us at Heart of England Training.

Ella’s team now includes four stylists and one apprentice, all working closely to deliver exceptional service while nurturing future industry professionals. “I’ve been hairdressing for over 12 years, and I started out as an apprentice myself,” Ella explains. “So I know first-hand the value of learning in a real salon environment.”

Why Choose Heart of England Training?

After speaking with several colleges, Ella felt we stood out immediately as her first choice training provider to use for apprenticeships. “From the very first phone call, they were by far the most helpful,” she says. “They were quick to send information, easy to contact, and always supportive if any issues came up. It was clear they cared about making things work — not just for the apprentice, but for the business too.”

That partnership has paid off. Ella’s former apprentice Danielle recently completed her Level 3 Hairdressing qualification — with distinction.

Apprenticeships That Work for Employers

For employers like Ella, hiring an apprentice offers practical and financial benefits. “They help around the salon, and as they develop, they begin to generate income by offering discounted services like blow-dries or colouring,” she says. “It builds their confidence, helps them grow a client base, and supports us as a business.”

Apprenticeship training is designed to blend hands-on learning with structured teaching. For Danielle, the experience was transformative. “Doing my Level 2 and 3 qualifications through Heart of England Training meant I was learning while working — building skills and confidence all the time,” she explains. “They brought clients in for us in the Leicester Academy to practise on when I attended one day a week, and the tutors were amazing. I was nervous at first, but they made it such a supportive environment.”

A Culture of Growth and Teamwork

Ella believes in investing in her team — and that includes ongoing education. “Training isn’t just for the apprentice — it benefits the whole salon,” she says. “Danielle brings fresh ideas, keeps us up to date with new techniques, and we’re always bouncing ideas off each other.”

Danielle agrees. “We learn from each other all the time. Even if someone’s been doing hair for years, there’s always a new technique, or a different way of doing something. It’s great to be in a place where learning is part of the culture.”

Future-Focused, Employer-Friendly

With everything in the hair and beauty industry evolving quickly, staying ahead matters. By partnering with  us at Heart of England Training, you can future-proof your team while shaping the next generation of stylists. From Level 2 Hairdressing apprenticeships through to Level 3 qualifications, we ensure learners — and their employers — get the support they need every step of the way.

Looking to grow your team and invest in fresh talent?

Choose Heart of England Training — your partner in apprenticeship success.

To watch the full video with Ella click here