- 07 February 2026
- Apprentices & Success Stories & Employer Information &
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the three-way partnership that drives every apprentice’s success! Often described as a triangle between the employer, the apprentice, and the training provider, this collaboration ensures learners are supported at every step of their apprenticeship journey.
An example of this partnership is in full swing at The Phoenix Lounge in Harrogate between Salon owner Becky, Hairdressing apprentices Izzy and Ruby, and Kleek Educator Steve.
From day one, Kleek Apprenticeships supports the salon and its learners by finding the perfect apprentice match, delivering outstanding in-salon training, and guiding the salon trainer/s and each apprentice through every step of their qualification, right up to their End Point Assessment.
For Salon Owner Becky Rojan, apprentices have become a core part of her team and essential to the way her salon runs day to day…
“Apprentices are a key part of the daily running of our salon. They help us keep the standards high by providing an excellent customer journey in the salon and supporting the stylists throughout the day.
“Our Kleek Educator, Steve, is patient and encouraging to each of the apprentices. He adapts his teaching skills to each of their needs.
“Steve is a huge support to the apprentices, and we really appreciate his hard work and dedication. I would highly recommend taking on an apprentice with Kleek. It’s very rewarding watching them develop and grow on their hairdressing journey.”
Pictured: Apprentices Izzy and Ruby, Phoenix Lounge Salon Owner Becky, and Kleek Educator Steve.
That ongoing support comes from Kleek Hair Educator, Steve Clark, who works closely with Becky and her team to ensure every apprentice feels confident, supported, and set up for success. From practical training sessions and one-to-one guidance, to preparing learners for assessments, Steve is a regular and reassuring presence in the salon…
“It’s all about teamwork. Becky, Ruby, Izzy and I each play a part in supporting one another, and that’s when you really see everyone thrive through the apprenticeship programmes.
“Becky provides such a warm and encouraging salon environment that helps the apprentices grow in confidence, while I’m there to guide them through their training and development every step of the way, right up to their End Point Assessment.
“Watching the apprentices progress from nervous beginners to confident, fully qualified stylists is the best part of the job!”
For the apprentices, that hands-on support makes all the difference. Ruby Sefton, who is working towards her Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship, has found the balance between in-salon learning and personal growth to be invaluable…
“As a Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice, Steve has helped me so much, especially with my Maths GCSE. He adapted his teaching to suit my ADHD needs, which has helped massively. Coming from someone who has already completed 1 year at a full-time college, I can confidently say that if you’re looking to pursue a career in hairdressing, an apprenticeship is the best way to do it. It’s so much more than just learning how to cut or colour hair! You gain confidence, social skills, and learn how to work with people every day.”
Photo Credit: Izzy's work,
Her fellow Apprentice, Izzy Gentle agrees, adding that the real-world experience you get through an apprenticeship is what makes the learning so effective…
“Doing an apprenticeship with Kleek allows me to do all my training in the salon I work in. My Educator Steve regularly visits to support me through all my hairdressing assessments and has helped me advance to the Level 3 Hairdressing apprenticeship. I’d tell anyone thinking about a career in hairdressing that it’s such a creative job that really builds your confidence, but it isn’t an easy one, but you get out what you put on!”
It’s this close-knit partnership between the salon, apprentices and educator that allows The Phoenix Lounge to develop and grow its team. Together, Becky, Steve, and the apprentices show just how powerful teamwork can be. With the right guidance, training and encouragement, the learners don’t just build skills, they build confidence, creativity, and a career they love!
If you’re a salon owner ready to grow your team with fresh talent, taking on an apprentice is the perfect way to do it. With Kleek’s full support every step of the way, you’ll welcome motivated, skilled learners into your salon who will grow alongside your business. Enquire today.
First published in Issue 4 of The Kleek Magazine, 2025. Page 44.
Photo Credit: Ruby's work.
