Hair professionals call for ‘independent industry accreditation’ to replace apprenticeships

Published 15th Jun 2018 by charlottegw
Hair professionals call for ‘independent industry accreditation’ to replace apprenticeships New and exclusive research from awareness group Choose Hair has found that 98% of hairdressing professionals would rather have an ‘independent industry accreditation’ system, instead of the current government-backed apprenticeship scheme. The survey* of those who work in the hairdressing sector found that:
  • 70% believe the government’s current stance on apprenticeships is unhelpful to the industry; creating a layer of red tape meaning they can no longer easily offer the Saturday job route to training and employment (making it more expensive to the salon) (49%) and that apprenticeships still have a stigma attached to them, meaning young people don’t want to be one (21%)
Emma Bavin of Choose Hair said: “The Government has tried to create a one-size fits all approach to our industry through the current apprenticeship scheme and despite 85% of salons supporting it by offering apprenticeships, for the majority, the system just doesn’t work as it is too restrictive for the salon owners – and our survey has highlighted this. “Most businesses have said they would rather see a return to the ‘Saturday job’ route into hairdressing accompanied by an industry accreditation system delivered by an independent governing body. This would ensure an industry-wide standard recognisable across the country, from salon-to-salon but with the freedom for salons to deliver the training around their business needs - much like you’d find in other professions.” When asked what the main drawback to having an apprentice in the salon was, 55% said their apprentices weren’t happy doing the more menial jobs of sweeping up or making hot drinks – as they didn’t consider this part of the apprenticeship training. Furthermore 19% said it was hard juggling the apprentice’s college time with working in the salon. However, 70% said it was lovely to train someone on and see them develop, when asked what the main benefits were. Emma continued: “Hairdressing is a nurturing industry and we know that salons want to see the next generation of stylists and colourists walk through their doors – but they want to make it as attractive as possible. By replacing the apprenticeship with a CPD style accreditation, it would reposition hairdressing as a profession, to be taken seriously and to be desired by young people – much like working in marketing or business development.” With a skills shortage affecting the hair industry, which is expected to continue into the next decade, according to 93% of respondents – many believe there needs to a new approach to attracting young people into the profession, as well as a re-education of young people and their parents regarding the kinds of roles available within the hair industry; especially as 2 in 3 UK women would not recommend a career in hairdressing to their children or family friend**. For further details on Choose Hair visit www.choosehair.co.uk/ *Choose Hair - Industry survey of 50 leading hairdressing professionals representing the view of themselves and their salons. Conducted April 2018. ** Schwarzkopf Professional Survey conducted by Independent research company OnePoll, April 2018. Survey of 1000 UK women aged 18 – 65.
charlottegw

charlottegw

Published 15th Jun 2018

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