My hairdressing apprenticeship - connor scanlon

On day five of National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with stylist Connor Scanlon on how his apprenticeship with Headmasters paved the way for his flourishing career.

What attracted you to an apprenticeship in hairdressing?

I was already working as a receptionist with Headmasters whilst studying acting. After my studies had finished I felt like I needed a new direction, I spoke to a few apprentices whilst working there and got some great feedback about the training. After looking into the Headmasters Apprenticeship Programme I decided to start my NVQ.

Did your school encourage you in this career choice?

I never saw myself becoming a hairdresser whilst at school. All my friends told me to study hairdressing, but my dream job was to work in the TV industry as a Presenter. There wasn't much talk about apprenticeships in my school, they encouraged you to get high grades and go to college then onto university. I was never an academic person but always knew I had to work in a creative industry and that is when I found Headmasters.

Could schools do more to promote hairdressing as a career choice?

Yes! Most people think hairdressing is for the uneducated when in fact, this is incorrect. There is so much more to hairdressing than picking up a tint brush and applying colour. It's not all about your grades but you definitely have to have great communication skills and a technical understanding of how to adapt different formulations and techniques to different people. 

Where did you complete your apprenticeship?

I started my apprenticeship with Headmasters in January 2015 and completed my NVQ2 and NVQ3 in October 2016. I am now working full time on the shop floor running a busy column.

How did you make the most of your apprenticeship?

Saying yes to everything! During my apprenticeship I was offered the opportunity to starting teaching at the business academy, by welcoming new apprentices to the NVQ2 training programme and going through every step of their journey. I also had the opportunity of going into schools and colleges to speak about our bespoke training and what Headmasters offer. When there's downtime in the salon, I would make sure I was watching everyone who had a client, I'm a visual person and made sure I was asking questions to get an understanding of what cut or colour they were doing.

What were the most positive aspects of your apprenticeship? 

The most positive part of my apprenticeship would have to be that I was being paid whilst I was learning. Some apprenticeships are in your own time so this was definitely was a bonus for me. Also having other people who were training around me kept me motivated and not wanting to give up.

What were the biggest challenges?

One of the biggest challenges I found was actually completing my NVQ folder. When I couldn't pass something off I took it personally when actually, you just have to pick yourself up and try again. Every hairdresser has been where you are so don't give up. 

How has your career progressed since you qualified – what exciting things have you done?

Winning L’Oreal Colour Trophy Young Colourist has been my biggest career highlight. As I was still at apprentice level it was a huge confidence boost for me, taking part was an amazing experience and would definitely recommend everyone taking part who is currently training. Also, getting into Headmasters Talent Squad has been a huge achievement. The HM Talent Squad opens up so many opportunities for us ranging from working on photoshoots, public speaking training as well as assisting Art Team members and having the opportunity of working with leading professionals such as Sophia Hilton and Anna Chapman. These have lead to opportunities such as working at The X Factor, at Salon International, London Fashion week and editorial work.

What advice would you offer to a salon owner on how to make sure they keep their apprentices motivated and stay on as a long-term member of staff?

You have to keep yourself motivated and if you don't your team wont be. As an apprentice, I sometimes felt like I wasn't appreciated, when in fact I really was. Making sure that your apprentices are being thanked and reminded that they're doing a great job really makes a difference. I'm a very outgoing person and love entering for competitions so I would say this is a good way to keep your team wanting more.

What are your plans for your career now, where would you like to be in 5 years?

I would love to be a member of the Artistic Team as I feel this is where I can get creative however management and education also really interested me so would love to be involved in this in the future.