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Hair & Beauty trainee job description

The first rung of the hairdressing career ladder is that of salon trainee jobs. Employers look for trainees and apprentices with a real interest in the industry as well as ambition and the ability to work well using their initiative. Trainee hairdressers jobs and Hairdressing Apprenticeships require hard work and dedication. Rest assured though learning an increasingly popular trade in an exciting industry will prove hugely rewarding.

Most trainees will work towards an NVQ level 1 or 2 in Hairdressing. This course typically take around 2 years, giving you a good understanding of all hairdressing techniques, key skills and health and safety requirements. During the later stages of your course you will begin actively putting your knowledge into practice on real models under close supervision. You may also carry out extra practical work in your own salon on set "training days". Trainees should use every possible opportunity to get stuck in, it will all provide valuable added experience.

For many trainees attending college is on a day release basis. This means that 4 days of the week you work within a salon carrying out hairdressing duties and tasks and attend college on another day. Typically hairdressers work between 9am and 6pm with many salons opening until 8 or 9 pm on various nights. Almost all hairdressers are required to work on Saturdays, the busiest day of the week in most cases.

Trainees are responsible for many tasks within the salon. A hairdressers job description can vary from salon to salon but will generally include duties in 3 main areas. :

Reception duties

In most salons trainees will be responsible for making bookings in person and over the phone. You will be meeting and greeting clients, taking coats, preparing hot drinks and ensuring clients are comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Due to the nature of most trainee hairdresser and apprenticeship positions, it is important for trainees to have good communication skills and a professional manner.

Being computer literate has also become a highly regarded skill. More and more salons are taking advantage of computer based systems to help run various areas of the salon. As a trainee you may be expected to play an active role in these tasks which can include organising mail shots or using a computer based booking system.

Description of Hairdressing duties

Trainees will be responsible for many hairdressing related tasks. Offering hair care advice, shampooing and applying treatments, and even assisting stylists closely with various practical tasks. Preparing equipment, colours and even blow-drying clients hair are all areas of the job that trainees can expect to be involved.

For many motivated trainees the ability to advise, recommend and sell products and treatments can provide an additional financial bonus. Many salons have bonus and commission schemes in place to give trainees the opportunity to increase their income whilst driving salon sales forward. Trainees may also get to show off their creative talent at a photo shoot or a show organised by the salon. These can provide trainees with an exciting insight into the world of hairdressing as well as the opportunity to meet recognised industry professionals.

Salon cleanliness

One of the most important aspects of salon apprentice and trainee hairdresser jobs is to ensure that the salon remains clean and can operate effectively. This will include duties like sweeping hair away efficiently, cleaning mirrors, floors, brushes, and colour bowls. You will also be required to keep various stock at the required levels; salon stock, clean towels, tea, coffee and other necessities.

As you can see, the job role of the salon trainee is varied and carries a lot of responsibility. A job in hairdressing takes a lot of commitment, particularly in the early years but is hugely rewarding. Once qualified there are many routes that your career can take you, from a job on a cruise liner to being your own boss within a few of years. Get your career in this exciting industry started today!!

General requirements for a salon trainee jobs and desired attributes:

Personal characteristics: enthusiastic, reliable, ability to work under own initiative

Previous experience: not applicable, previous work experience an advantage.

Qualifications: Not applicable.

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