Gaining Skills For Life

KLEEK AT 25: ADAM HUSSAIN, SAKS HAIR WETHERBY

Skills For Life

"Originally, I wanted to be a surgeon or an architect, but they both required many years at university and I didn’t want to do that. So an apprenticeship appealed to me, and I also wanted a practical vocation. Hairdressing is a skill for life that I can use anywhere in the world plus it won’t be easily overtaken by AI either!

My Apprenticeship

I am really enjoying my apprenticeship. The theory is fun and enjoyable and the educator makes it easy to understand. The practical side of learning to be a hairdresser takes time as you can’t do everything all at once. I really like that I’m learning whilst getting paid, and I’ll be a qualified hairdresser with lots of skills under my belt. Being an apprentice has helped with my confidence and many other things. The only downside is that you are starting out so you have to be patient to learn from your educator and in the salon. At the start of the apprenticeship, everything can seem a bit repetitive. But it’s just the beginning, and all the amazing hairstylists started where you are and worked their way up to the very top!

The role of salon apprentices

I think apprentices play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of a salon, especially when everyone is so busy managing numerous clients and services simultaneously. But soon you will get involved in mastering blowdrys and learning different cutting techniques. If you show your dedication and passion, it does get noticed! I love receiving feedback from clients and I’ve even had customers come to the academy that have been recommended to ask for me.

Career Plans

When I qualify later his year, I’d like to stay at Saks for a while to get more experience and build my skills. After that, I think I’ll most likely move abroad and start my own salon. The hair and beauty industry is constantly evolving so wherever I go, I hope to be the best hairdresser I can possibly be. It’s still early days, so I’m still thinking about where my career will take me... I might do a hair extension course, I might specialise in colour and colour corrections, and I might try wig-making. But I know, all I have to do is try!"

Update: Adam has now completed his apprenticeship and is a qualified hairdresser.