LYNDSAY LOVERIDGE
(Headquarters Hair By Design, New Plymouth)
After over 40 years in the hairdressing industry Lyndsay Loveridge continues to be a trailblazer when it comes to training the next generation of stylists.
Lyndsay owns a Headquarters Salon – HQ Hair by Design, in New Plymouth.
“Out of the ten people on my team there are only two people I haven’t trained myself.”
“Over the years I’ve enjoyed great longevity with staff. I’ve been very lucky. I put it down to a mix of things but training is definitely key in this. We are known for our focus on training and the training packages we offer.”
“The reality is people will move on if they’re not being challenged and if you’re not helping them grow and develop.”
“Everybody working in this industry should be in education. Education is lifelong. You never know enough and you never know it all.”
“There’s so much knowledge within my team and training helps ensure it’s shared.”
“You need to invest in apprentices and in their life. You need to help them with their life skills, to guide them and support them like they’re family. It’s not just about learning the technical requirements, but also about being a life coach and mentor and helping them set goals and then achieve them.”
“In my heart I am a creative person and in my head I am a business person and an educator.”
Lyndsay has designed a comprehensive training system which is closely linked with the off job training requirements of the National Certificate in Hairdressing.
“Our training programme breaks down what the trainees need to know and be able to do for each year of their apprenticeship. It supports them with their off job training and helps their collection of evidence.”
“Apprentices have between 18 and 22 full days of training each year in the salon. Plus every Friday morning they spend two hours working alongside senior stylists perfecting what they have learnt. Add to this the training opportunities available in the down time and we have a great training formula.”
“You put a huge investment into your trainees in their first couple of years so it makes sense to put the incentives in so they can see the benefits of staying with you once they’re qualified.”
Stylists receive a performance bonus one year after completing their apprenticeship, which is derived from a percentage of the apprentice’s wage throughout their apprenticeship. A percentage of each stylists earnings are allocated as ‘training dollars’ for their hairdressing and professional development training.