Beautique was established 11 years ago, based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. After running apprenticeships for 9 years Clare, the salon owner, has worked with Heart of England Training having grown to love the idea of apprenticeships.
“When I first started looking at apprenticeships, I was attracted to the thought of an extra pair of hands” she said “However, I have grown to love apprenticeships and everything they stand for…the therapist that you are at the end of an apprenticeship beats anything else, hands down.”
A chance to grow
Education and support are important for Beautique as well as their learners, providing both in-house and day-release training. Since working with Heart of England, Clare has felt this has worked really well with her apprentices.
“There’s something that always keeps them learning. Getting out of the salon, maybe getting on a train for the first time. Those skills and different things that they can bring to the salon works really well.”
“They quite enjoy getting out for the day as well” she added “we communicate and talk about what has been covered that day, or what they have been working on at the salon, so it has always been really good.”
Clare’s top piece of advice for employers about apprenticeships is “take the recruiting seriously.”
“I always do an initial interview, then a practical interview, get to know that person before you take them on. Prepare to be committed…the more your willing to give, the more you’re going to get.”
An apprentice’s perspective
Nikita, Clare’s former apprentice, joined Beautique when she was just 16 years old, starting her Beauty Therapy apprenticeship with Heart of England Training. Despite finding it difficult having her apprenticeship in the middle of the pandemic, she felt supported throughout, achieving a Distinction.
“I’m really proud of everything that I achieved” she said “Heart of England were very supportive throughout, including doing Zoom lessons, regular contact and worksheets that really helped with my training.”
Since qualifying, Nikita decided to stay with Beautique, as she felt they have helped her grow as a person and is now working alongside Clare’s current apprentice, Jaida. When asked why she chose to do an apprenticeship, Jaida said;
“I chose to do an apprenticeship in beauty because, I’ve always loved it. I have loved doing it myself and I like making people feel better about themselves.”
Her one piece of advice for anyone starting an apprenticeship is “Go for it!’
“Don’t let anybody tell you that you won’t be able to find one or that you can’t do it, just go for it!”
Take your next steps today
Are you looking to start a career in Beauty Therapy, or perhaps take on apprentice of your own?
Contact us to find out more or look at our Apprenticeships Information for employers
You can find out more about the Apprenticeship journey of Beautique with our latest video on our YouTube channel – click here
