Full time college or be a junior?

[Golden Delish]

I'm looking for people's views and opinions so please feel free to tell me what you think:biggrin:
My child is under 18 and is determined to be a hairdresser and wants to be employable. Here's the current options and I'd love to hear what people think.
As far as the trade is concerned, is it better that they do Level 2 & 3 back-to-back, full-time at college, with perhaps some part-time work in a salon either paid or voluntary? Or is is better that they take up a job offer in a salon as an apprentice/junior, doing Level 2 at an academy at the same time? After passing Level 2, the employer feels they'd prefer the
junior to settle in for at least a year before progressing to doing Level 3 training, so the young person wouldn't be eligible for government funding.

If they do the college route of Level 2 & 3 in two years with funding but don't manage to get any salon experience, are they decreasing their chances of a job at the end of it?

What do employers value more, or more importantly, which route will make them a "better" hairdresser - Levels 2 & 3 with no experience or the junior/apprentice route with Level 2?

 

[emmamb]

Personally I would go for working in the salon...I did my level 2 & 3 back to back and can't get work in a salon due to inexperience xx

 

[soosh]

I've done my level 1 at college and now work as a junior, while going to start my level 2 in September. I often wondered if it was better to go for a junior/apprentice at the beginning, but I still didn't find the answer.

I imagine an employer wants experience more than diplomas, but looking back I realised that I've done some things during my first year at college that I wouldn't probably have the chance to do then any time soon in the salon ( and I mean hair ups, cutting, etc). It depends very much on the salon as well. Some of them will keep your daughter/son in the salon just for doing the mindless tasks, some will put them directly into action, to work on clients and so on.

If you decide to gor for the salon/apprenticeship option, some trial days would be recommended, as your child could see the real atmosphere in a salon.
To my opinion, a course + work is the best option. No matter the option, I think it's best to find a salon where to work/volunteer asap. College on its own is not enough and your child has to stand apart in this v competitive industry. So the more things they can put on their cv, the better!

 

[Pip]

Junior everytime!!
Sadly qualifications seem almost worthless with no salon experience when looking for work!

 

[Shinejunkie*]

Junior 100%! Pip ^^^^ is so right. What would you rather have, an employee who has experience and common knowledge of the job or someone who only has the qualification and wouldn't have a clue what to do when they're on the floor?good luck xxx

 

[lilk87]

I'd say junior too! So many college grads have come to our salon but lack experience and confidence!!

 

[lauren89]

Junior!
As a junior you get so much on the job experience. You learn so much day to day just watching and assissting stylists. You get on the floor experience and learn how to interact with clients.
Most salons also do a training night where they get in models for the junior to do.
And most salons keep their juniors on when they are qualified.

 

[Angel_19]

I did my level 1 2 and 3 back to back at college full time whilst having a part time job in a salon and personally that was the best choice for me.

The reason why I'm glad I didn't train at the salon I was working at is because you are the dogs body when you are a junior and they train you at a snails pace. All of the staff treat you like a slave. Obviously as a junior you are expected to run around and do junior jobs but this salon just took the mick!

I am now working at a well known salon as a stylist and they were very happy with my trades test. I learnt all my skills at college and I learnt how to work in s salon environment for 3 years at my part time job and for me that was the best decision

 

[Lux geek]

In salon training all the way!! Depending on what sort of hairdresser she wants to be if she want to go and do competitions and photo shoots she need to get in a fellowship salon (you can find out if there is one in your area on there web site) but if she wants to just work in salon and Bild a strong clientele or maybe own a salon it dosnt really matter as long as the college is good and the salon she gets a part time job in is good!!
Hope she dose well xx

 

[topcuts]

Junior Junior Junior every time, I am inundated with full time college leavers, tried twice with them but never again. Qualifications mean nothing without the practical experience but I appreciate its tough, "experience wanted" and unless someone gives you a job you cant get experience, chicken and egg. Good Luck.

 

[lee7smith]

Definitely junior ! On the job training is what it's all about , your dealing with the clients from almost day one in a real salon environment . I was blowdrying and applying colours for the seniors after a short period, sure you have to do other junior jobs but we all got to start at the bottom ! Personally I hated college and if I was full time there probably would have quit ! Also got the advantage of a wage , it was £50 a week 10 years ago . Not sure what the rate is ATM . Students are spending so much time at college/uni these days and struggling for jobs so your child should consider a salon placement ASAP !
X

 

[Golden Delish]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help us out:hug:You're all amazing.
We all felt it was best to be training in the salon too so it's helped a lot to hear others think the same way.
Thanks for the good luck and well wishes too.:hug: