Autumn apprentices - get them started!

It gets the apprentice in contact with your clients and allows the client to get to know them, builds their awareness, confidence and profile. The apprentice has the opportunity to sell other services such as a weekly blow dry service, or recommend add-ons such as treatments and retail.
Start by focusing on classic blow-drying, bobs and longer haircuts, as this gets the apprentice used to sectioning and handling hair. Next, move onto more commercial finishes that are appropriate for your salon – round brushing, finger drying etc. You may also want to introduce roller setting here, depending on your own salons particular needs. Commit to giving your apprentice a thorough foundation in this, so from the start they understand the standards you and your clients expect.

Which finishing courses are available?
There’s not a lot of availability for this type of training outside the salon, but Redken NYC offer a one-day course called Start With The Finish. This concentrates entirely on foundation blow-drying and covers sectioning, Denman brush blow-drying, round brush blow-drying, vent and paddle brush drying and finishing with hot tools.

Assuming an apprentice may start in August/September, consider starting this block of training straight away. Set up strict completion targets and plan each week in more detail as to who will deliver, how and when, plus what “homework/practice” the apprentice must complete.

How long will this take?
With around six to eight hours training per week, careful monitoring and regular feed back, this block can be achieved within three to four months, resulting in you having a very productive apprentice capable of shampooing, recommending products, applying treatments and completing a blow dry all in time for the Christmas rush starting in December!

It’s safe to say that most salons will suspend training over the Christmas period, but come January there is a great opportunity for maximising training time. Read all about them on Salon-Smart.net in the next installment of this Power Hour!

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