Megan Mitchell
Blondini, Oamaru
Megan Mitchell, owner of Oamaru salon Blondini, has been involved in apprenticeship training for 24 years.
“Apprenticeships are such a great way for people to learn, because it’s real. You learn really quickly how to concentrate on a job while communicating with a client. You learn not only about getting it right, but the importance of relationships at the same time,” she says.
“Apprenticeship training allows us to train staff the way we want them to be. They don’t have bad habits, and they are up to my standards – and I have very high standards!”
“Apprentices know the importance of professionalism from day one. When they are good enough to cut a client’s hair they don’t panic. They have been soaking it up for a long time and it’s what they know.”
Megan gets new staff from people approaching her to do work experience. She encourages the keener ones to do an apprenticeship with her. This has huge benefits as it means her recruitment costs are minimal.
“We have no trouble getting skilled staff as we train our own. Our apprentices are loyal and do it the way we want.”
“Apprenticeship training helps our retention. Our retention is great.”
“People are fools not to get involved in training. You get from your staff what you put into them. Otherwise, why would they stay?”
“Customers think it is great there are apprentices in the salon. They get to know the apprentice when they are starting out doing jobs like cleaning, shampooing and making coffee; and watch them develop into qualified stylists. Clients love seeing them grow,” she says.
“When you invest in training, you get your investment back.”
