No shortage of jobs in hairdressing
Top hairdressers have questioned recent media reports that college leavers are finding it hard to find work - even within the hairdressing industry.
A recent report by the BBC saw its correspondent Emma Simpson interview a number of students from Stoke on Trent College, including an NVQ 2 hairdressing graduate. The overriding message of the report was that all college leavers were facing a bleak future on the jobs market.
Degree graduates are also facing an increasingly tough jobs climate, according to a report on the BBC News website, which states that the average number of graduates chasing a single job has risen to 48.
Sean Hanna, owner of seanhanna salons, in London and Surrey, believes hairdressing as a sector, should offer qualified job-seekers a wealth of opportunities.
Said Sean: "These are tough times but I think, relatively speaking, hairdressing is one field within the service industry that continues to grow and recruit. As a brand that develops quickly, we are always looking to recruit, whether the candidate be a school or college leaver, or a university graduate. It really depends on the individual and their skills, which don't all have to be related to hairdressing."
Anya Dellicompagni, hairdressing director, of Midlands-based Francesco Group offered the perspective of a trainer. Said Anya: "We are so proud of the success of our graduates. Currently 20 of the graduating class at our Stafford academy have already found placements. We are able to offer some opportunities within the company ; others have been snapped up by salons in the region and four have studied to level four to go on to university. Unlike their more academic peers, good hairdressing graduates are experiencing no challenges progressing to a great future."