Thinking of recruiting an apprentice to your nail salon team?
By Kat Hill | 08 February 2022 | Expert Advice, Feature
Caroline Larissey, director of quality & standards at the NHBF, shares pointers to consider when taking on an apprentice in the salon…
For many businesses, taking on an apprentice has understandably taken a back seat during the pandemic. However, taking on an apprentice may provide a much-needed boost for your business.
Government figures demonstrated that a staggering 78% of employers reported improved productivity after introducing an apprenticeship scheme, while 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation and 74% said they had helped them improve the quality of their product or service.
Cost-effective
Hiring an apprentice is also a cost-effective way to support the development of new talent in your business. Depending on your business size and eligibility, most apprenticeships training costs are either fully or partially funded by the government, helping you to upskill your team on a budget.
What’s available?
Hair and beauty apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 and 3. In Wales only they are also available at Level 4. Apprenticeships typically last between one and two years for each level studied and anyone over the age of 16 can become an apprentice, including existing employees. In some cases, there is an upper age limit, for example, in Northern Ireland.
Agreements or deeds
The law says you must sign an apprenticeship agreement (England and Wales) or deed of apprenticeship (Scotland and Northern Ireland) with your apprentice.
The agreement or deed must set out the details of the apprenticeship including how long the employment will last for, what training they will receive, and what qualifications they are working towards.
This will ensure you both know what to expect from each other and will have an agreed document to refer to in the case of any queries or disagreements during the apprenticeship.
You must also pay your apprentice the correct apprenticeship rate or National Minimum Wage rate. Remember that an apprentice over the age of 19 who is in the second year of their apprenticeship must be paid the age-appropriate National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Find out more – click here.
Designed by employers
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to grow your own loyal workforce to suit the requirements and culture of your business.
Apprenticeships are designed by employers, so they reflect the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours that your business needs. In addition, younger apprentices may be familiar with new technologies such as social media; or if they are older, they may have other relevant skills and experience to offer. Whether they’re a school leaver or someone looking to change their career path, it’s a fabulous way to add new talent to your team.
England: Traineeships
Traineeships in England help 16-to-24-year-olds, or 25-year-olds with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, get ready for an apprenticeship or job if they don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience to start one.
The traineeship is free to your business, but you may support trainees with expenses such as transport and meals.
Find out more by clicking here.