Ursula Harris
Ursula Harris Hair Design, Nelson
Ursula has owned Ursula Harris Hair Design for nearly four years and has always had apprentices on board. All of Ursula’s eleven staff are either trained or in training. She currently employees five apprentices.
“All my senior staff are fully qualified and those that aren’t qualified are doing an apprenticeship. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.
“Apprenticeships just work. I know they work. There are so many benefits – the work is better, the clients get better service, and staff are more motivated and confident.”
“The best way to get senior stylists that fit with your culture and structure is to take on apprentices and develop them into senior stylists yourself.”
“Having apprentices makes business sense as it means I don’t have to pay senior stylists to do jobs such as shampooing and colouring. Instead, they can focus on the value added stuff.”
“I really love to teach and watch them grow. I love an apprentice with a good attitude. I can teach them anything. I always knew I loved to teach and it’s great being able to do it every day.”
“By providing a salon where training happens I am helping keep my staff motivated. My apprentices are always learning and I get a thrill out of supporting them.”
“Training your staff can be hard work but it is definitely worth it.”
“Clients get a kick out of watching an apprentice grow and develop their skills. They start off as someone who washes their hair and by the end of it they have become their stylist.”
“If there were no Trade Certificate there would be no benchmarks. HITOs support ensures there is quality and consistency across the industry.”
