Case Study: Maggie Flockton
Company Name: Maggie Flockton
Company Size: SME
Company Sector: Hairdressing
Apprenticeship programme description
As an employer I embarked on an apprenticeship with the single-minded approach that this person will be the next senior stylist within my business.
To support this process I work closely with my training provider to ensure that we enable the young person to achieve their full potential. I provide a comprehensive training programme that both complements and exceeds the requirement of the apprenticeship for Level 2/3.
I encourage apprentices to be independent learners and to own their qualifications. However, I am acutely aware that I am dealing with young people who sometimes need a helping hand to remain on track. We provide this support in a variety of ways.
As a qualified assessor I provide work-based assessment in addition to the apprentices attending the training centre. The NVQ requires careful selection of clients. In addition to our regular client base, I have personally sought out the necessary technical work for the apprentices or arranged for clients to come in outside working hours to maximise assessment opportunity.
Advanced Apprentices are given additional duties/training to ensure they are ready to meet the requirement for the framework. Together we look at the most appropriate role for the apprentice so they develop not only more advanced hairdressing skills but also learn the more detailed aspects of running a salon. They are given training and then supported in new tasks.
Many of our apprentices have been identified as having low skills when they leave school. I and other members of the team are also dyslexic. We do not see this as a barrier to our apprentices' success. I try to encourage the young person to look to us as role models to overcome their fear of failure when attempting the written aspect of their training.
I value the key skills delivery from Bexley Training Group and foster the apprentices' development by identifying the aspects of salon work where they are able to apply their knowledge in a work-based setting.
Hairdressing is very pressurised at times. I would say that the major benefit to the business is the life energy, laughter and joy that these hard-working young people bring to the company.They also contribute by their strong fashion sense and we value their opinions and levels of motivation.
As apprentices the more tangible benefits include the financial contribution they make to the salon.We have exceptionally high standards of client care and part of their role is to carry out basin treatments as soon as they are able.
Our two most recently qualified apprentices are both senior stylists. This brings a huge financial bonus to the company as they currently have a good client base. One of these is working towards his Advanced Apprenticeship. The other will commence in January after being given extensive training funded by the company. I feel this gives apprentices the motivation to succeed at an advanced level.
The salon has a high expectation of technical expertise from all its employees and continuous professional development is encouraged in a variety of ways. We fund a number of courses with reputable cosmetic houses to ensure all apprentices are kept up to date with current products and trends. We also encourage all our apprentices to participate in competition work at national level, photographic work and workshops with top stylists within the industry.
The ethos of the salon is that training is ongoing throughout an employee's time at Maggie Flockton. We see the work experience for pupils as the start, and work with several local schools to provide placements throughout the year.
Our Level 2 apprentices are seen as the next generation of stylists and therefore are given every opportunity to achieve, stay with the salon and grow - not only in their technical skills but also in their social development. I recognise that young people have a very challenging time to live through.This is a transitional period where an individual may be experiencing personal or social issues that would be difficult for an adult to cope with. Once I have committed to an apprenticeship I will endeavour to work with that person to a successful end. I have dealt with barriers to achievement including drug abuse, long- term sickness and other difficult personal issues.
As our Advanced Apprentices are intrinsic to our sustainability as a salon we ensure that they receive maximum benefits from their contribution to the viability of the business. We offer prizes and incentive schemes including trips abroad.
Apprentices are encouraged to grow and several ex-apprentices manage or own their own salons now. They remain in contact and are a great source of pride to me.