There is so much spoken about the recruitment crisis in hairdressing. Many hours are being spent discussing how better to attract young people into hairdressing. Then to train and retain them! We caught up with Laura Leigh Kerr this Summer to ask what’s her view. Laura has a pivotal role at Rainbow Room International in Scotland, and has been recognised three times as Educator of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards. She has views and ideas to inspire:
“At Rainbow Room International our reputation and longevity in training apprentices (with our Academy being open since 2003) allows us to stand out and easily be able to attract apprentices and school leavers who are interested in a career in hairdressing.
Apprentices know that by choosing Rainbow Room International, they will receive the highest standard of training and that they will receive this from some of Scotland’s very best hairdressing talent”
Rainbow Room International has 12 salons offering hair and beauty services and an academy. The salon directors include award winning educators and creatives such as Suzie McGill – one of our Colour World Colour Genius award winners 2024 among many other accolades. Like Laura herself, many in the RRI leadership team have been with the company throughout their careers. Inspiring to youngsters in itself to see a strong career pathway presented.
The company offers SVQ/Modern Apprentice Level 2, SVQ/Modern Apprentice Level 3 and provides a mix of hands on and theory teaching. Apprentices can earn whilst they learn at one of the Rainbow Room International salons, with full support provided.
Laura Leigh explains that she also runs private 9-month full time fast track SVQs with 2 start dates a year. Such an option is always sought after by apprentices who are looking to qualify more quickly.
Using initiative
At Rainbow Room International the strategy to recruit apprentices is wide reaching. For example the RRI team attends events, schools and career fairs including Skills Scotland where they can discuss our apprenticeship offerings in further detail.
The team also regularly shares opportunities on the RRI social media channels. This is speaking to youngsters on the platforms they are committed to! Here RRI can shout about the fantastic career routes and extracurricular learning their training provides. And it’s easy to share details on how to get in touch and apply for the Modern Apprentice and Fast Track opportunities.
Nurturing environment
Laura Leigh continued to share her experience and advice on nurturing apprentices once on board. She says: “I strongly believe that providing education is not just about the technicality of the job, but treating the candidates holistically – supporting them and raising their training to the highest standards. I am fulfilled by seeing the development and achievements of each trainee.
“As standard each trainee has a 12-week review. I sit down with them to go over the last 12 weeks’ progress. Feedback is both verbal and noted on the review sheet that they show their employer who also provides feedback. It’s essentially a working document where I, the trainee and the employer all have a part in shaping the progress of learner. Each member of the team knows my door is open every day for support or advice.”
Rewarding achievement
Rainbow Room International has a number of reward schemes available for the apprentices. For example, they host an assistants show/parents evening at prestigious Glasgow venues. Here trainees have a chance to show their work mentored by the Art and Teaching team. They also run a European Exchange Programme via a partnership with Light of the Path, where trainees can gain work experience and immerse themselves in the culture of one of the RRI partner salons abroad. Previous placements have seen trainees complete a Sweden Exchange in Malmo, Riga in Latvia and Lanciano in Italy.
Laura Leigh adds a highlights; “We also provide two assistants from each of our salons with a golden ticket to attend our Rainbow Room International Congress. Here we also have awards that can be won by the apprentices including Assistant of the Year Level 2 and 3, which allows them to assist the Art Team with shoots and shows.
“In addition to this, our apprentices are always asked if they would like to be involved with events out with the academy/salon, whether it be events such as TRNSMT festival. Or the Scottish BAFTASs, or coming along to help on photoshoots or at industry events. Recently, we invited all our apprentices along to the Professional Beauty & Hair event in Glasgow where they could spend time learning and gaining inspiration from the Rainbow Room International Artistic Team who had a slot at the event, alongside many other leading hairdressers. “
Take it seriously
Just as you promote your salon services, as an apprentice employer it’s important to shout about the different opportunities you have available. Highlight your offering in comparison with your competitors. Laura Leigh advocates thinking about what do you offer that they don’t? “Show the value the apprentice will get by choosing you as an employer,” she says. “Also be sure to share the support they will receive throughout their apprenticeship. Show off your company culture, share case studies and success stories and get apprentices excited about starting their career with you.:
Wise words and thanks for this Rainbow Room International!
If you’d like to find out more, visit: www.rainbowroominternational.com