Get the most from your training

Education is essential for learning new ideas and techniques for salon owners, receptionists, stylists and juniors. However, training needs to be shared and implemented and, in doing so, boosts salon relationships and profitability. We talk to salon owners and managers to find out what they do to get ahead – and stay ahead

Tracey Devine,
Angels, Aberdeen
"Our training is individually tailored and we make everyone feel equally important, invigorated and involved in the future of the business. Each trainee fills out a training form, detailing what they want to achieve and we devise a specific training route. We use both the local college on a day-release basis and our own in-house training, working through our own training manuals, up to SVQ Levels 1 & 2, and the local SVQ assessor and myself, as training team leader, monitor each level closely through weekly visits. We provide ongoing assessments, for both college and salon, and the salon pays for further external training courses. All levels of staff can voice their opinions and present their skills and we send our staff on training courses to top academies as a reward for achieving certain levels."

Mark Coates,
National salon educator,  Aveda, UK
"Learning at Aveda, with visual aids, changing the teaching style every 20 or 30 minutes, which is designed to tune in to each student’s individual learning style. Afterwards, some stand up and share knowledge, while others prefer to work in groups, but we accommodate all styles when it comes to presenting what they have learned. At Aveda we have a core belief that
learning never ends."

Brooks & Brooks,
London
Four times a year, senior stylists and colourists present an evening of looks to be judged by the creative directors. Says co-owner Jamie Brooks:
"We place an immense amount of importance on training as it keeps that competitive edge and pushes the boundaries. It is very important for staff to be stimulated and motivated, and these courses fulfil those needs." Junior staff are constantly motivated with twice-weekly cutting and styling techniques evenings, where senior staff mentor them. "Six times a year junior staff are taken off site for cultural experiences, which include trips to various exhibitions in modern art and architecture," says co-owner Sally Brooks. "This stimulates their creative minds."