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Barrow-based Mohair Hairdressers Ltd has supported apprenticeships since 2006 and salon owner, Joanne Livingston, has announced plans to hire the company’s fifth apprentice later in the year.

“We have worked very closely with Furness College over the years and have put together an agreed schedule of learning which works very well and ensures that everyone gets the most out of the relationship. We have been able to meet the needs of the business and reap significant business benefits through apprenticeships, which includes a reduction in the time and money we would have normally spent on recruitment. Even though apprentices are starting at the very beginning in terms of both career and skills, they are equally as important as any other employee and approach work eagerly and with great enthusiasm.”

Joanne believes that apprenticeships are a fundamental element in the success of the salon and is urging other businesses not to miss out on the chance to recruit a valuable asset to the workforce. She said: “I have always known about apprenticeships and when I took charge of the salon four years ago, I decided that employing a hairdressing apprentice would provide me with the opportunity to bring someone into the business who was keen to learn more about the industry whilst develop the skills they needed to be successful. Apprenticeships encouraged me to step back and take a look at the business as a whole and I realised that by making an investment in the business by growing the team, I would be able to develop both the company and the workforce the way I wanted to. I think apprenticeships are a great way to develop employee skills and confidence and are ideal as they don’t involve too much time away from the workplace.”

Mohair has plans to continue growing the business through apprentice recruitment and Joanne is particularly complimentary about the flexibility of apprenticeships.