Finding work as hairdresser after college

[linz260]

Hi
I wondered if anyone could help. I have started a full time college course in august and am thoroughly enjoying it but i'm slightly worried as to what my chances will be off getting a job in a salon. There is a small salon in the college to gain 'employability experience' which isn't very helpful to be honest. How should i go about this as i'm too old for an apprenticeship i'm 23. Should i try and gain work experience in a salon and if so would anyone actually take on work experience
people. Thanks fpr looking

 

[SteffiMc]

Hi
I wondered if anyone could help. I have started a full time college course in august and am thoroughly enjoying it but i'm slightly worried as to what my chances will be off getting a job in a salon. There is a small salon in the college to gain 'employability experience' which isn't very helpful to be honest. How should i go about this as i'm too old for an apprenticeship i'm 23. Should i try and gain work experience in a salon and if so would anyone actually take on work experience
people. Thanks fpr looking

I became an apprentice at 23 Hun where abouts are you?? X

 

[linz260]

In dundee. I've tried to get an apprenticeship but no ones seems to want to take me on because of my age

 

[GIGGLER]

They won't hunny.. There's a bracket for the minimum wage after 21. So that's why. But still finish ur course.. Once u are qualified u can apply for in-salon jobs as a 'junior stylist improver' (I've just put this on another post lol) i did an apprenticeship and struggled making the transition from trainee to stylist.. So i got a job at another salon as an improver..This really helped me.. Built my confidence up and perfected my skills! U get paid a little less but it's a great stepping stone!

 

[SteffiMc]

In dundee. I've tried to get an apprenticeship but no ones seems to want to take me on because of my age

Ah that's a shame I was in Yorkshire when I done mine my boss was fab, there are people willing to give you a chance you just have to sell yourself and tell them why you'd be better than a young apprentice. I got into the first one I applied to and think it was because I wouldn't shut up telling her how hard I'd work and how much I wanted it!! Don't give up! Also I have a friend who was 26 and she got taken on too as an apprentice in another salon and at my college there was a 43 year old so really it does happen chick!! But... if you put your heart and soul into it and do it all through college you'll do fine after, just always ask questions even if they seem silly, I only got told the basics at college and spent most of the lesson badgering my tutor with questions lol. You'll do fine if it's what you really want to do no matter how you learn xxx

 

[Mandita8601]

Hi
I wondered if anyone could help. I have started a full time college course in august and am thoroughly enjoying it but i'm slightly worried as to what my chances will be off getting a job in a salon. There is a small salon in the college to gain 'employability experience' which isn't very helpful to be honest. How should i go about this as i'm too old for an apprenticeship i'm 23. Should i try and gain work experience in a salon and if so would anyone actually take on work experience
people. Thanks fpr looking

Weird i was about to start a thread pretty much asking the same thing. Tho i'm 33 and finished SCQF level 6 in july. During that time i worked 1 day a week in a salon. Tbh the salon didnt give me any training i needed (just a cleaner basically). Anyway i haven't been able to find work in salon since, as i'm not experienced in running a column and too old for an apprenticeship. I've never heard of an improver, thats interesting tho.

 

[Lauraaaah]

I trained full time colege and they made everyone have a one day a week placement in a salon....at first i was just a typical salon floor sweeper but as i proved hardworking they also gave me a paid saturday job and i gained valuable experience in colouring,styling and basic cutting.....without been there i dont think i would have had the confidence to aplly for a job after colege and at least to potential employers i had a little basic experience! do u have a placement?or would u consider just a weekend salon junior job?x

 

[linz260]

There is a salon in the college but tbh we don't get to do much there an we only get 4 hours a week to do practical stuff in the 'realistic salon' lol. I was thinking of maybe volunteering in a salon to get some real hands on experience one day a week as the salon in college isn't much help at all.

 

[GIGGLER]

It's very difficult with a work placement, it is just for experience after all. I've had loads of work placements over the years.. Some can't b bothered.. Some OVER enthusiastic (want letting loose on hair on their first day) placements dont have any loyalty to ur salon and move about a lot so it does make u apprehensive to give away trade secrets! Lol! I had one young girl who came who always kept herself busy..cleaning, emptying cupboards etc.. She landed herself a job, coz she proved to me she put 100% into everything she did and did it thoroughly.. U really can tell a hard worker from a bad one. Even after 1 day. It is all about proving ur worth in hairdressing. A lot of trainees don't want to listen n can't accept criticism, pay attention and keep busy, ive been hairdressing 17 years and i still learn new things now! Never stop listening and itl work wonders ..ul also get taken more seriously! As for the improver positions, they are out there.. If none are being advertised enquire at salons wanting qualified stylists.. Tell them u are after an improver position and then there's grounds to negotiate a wage.. And they will kno to support u if u need any technical advice etc! I've taken on an improver before.. She was brilliant coz she adapted easily into how my salon was ran! Good luck! X

 

[Lauraaaah]

There is a salon in the college but tbh we don't get to do much there an we only get 4 hours a week to do practical stuff in the 'realistic salon' lol. I was thinking of maybe volunteering in a salon to get some real hands on experience one day a week as the salon in college isn't much help at all.

I think volunteering would be a good idea as i dont think a potential employer will take the college salon as seriously! and as posted on the last comment prove your worth volunteering in a salon and u may land yourself a job......it'll all work out in the end....good luck x