Melanie Richard’s Hair & Beauty was established 12 years ago, based in Peterborough’s city centre. Richard, one of the salon owners, spoke with Heart of England Training on how excited they were about taking on apprentices within the Salon.

“We decided to have apprentices in the salon because we found that we can make them more salon ready than if they go to college” Richard says “they get to see more of how a salon runs, so they are more salon ready when you qualify”.

Honor, Richard’s apprentice, has been studying her Hair Level 3 Qualification for 11 months and is enjoying progressing through her apprenticeship. Honor says “I just like the idea that my manager is involved, and my team can get a little bit involved as well, it’s not just me going off somewhere to do it.”

Richard explains that they have had apprentices for a few years now, wanting to help the inexperienced grow.

“We feel that we want to grow new hairdressers ourselves and not just take on those with experience. We want to grow them from scratch.”

When asked what one piece of advice she would give to anyone considering an apprenticeship, Honor said “Go with it with an open mind”.

 “I’ve learned so many other things like skills within the salon, talking to people” she added “It’s actually getting to know that client, getting to know their hair…so go into it if you really wanted to pursue the hairdressing sort of career”.

Melanie Richard’s has been working with Heart of England Training for a few years now, as they found it easier than sending them to a college.

“We know that somebody from the outside is assessing them, rather than just us deciding that they’re salon ready” he said “Having them come in every couple of weeks gives us a target…while we train them as well here in the salon”

Honor has progressed well into her apprenticeship, already having an idea on what to do for her EPA (End Point Assessment)

“I love dogs” she said “My whole thing is based around dogs. So, we’re gonna have the whole top floor decked out where there’s going to be actual dogs in here, giving people a similar hairstyle. I’ve got black and white hair, and my manager owns a dalmatian, so we’re gonna have a full photo shoot with everyone in the salon.”

You can find out more about the Apprenticeship journey of Melanie Richard’s Hair & Beauty with our latest video – click here