What it takes: Sirocco Hair Studio

Once upon a time, your favourite hairstylist might have been an apprentice. To qualify in their chosen career would have required hard work and total commitment.

In the seven years she has owned her salon, Rosanne Marks of Sirocco Hair Studio has taken on two apprentices, and three others have come on board to sit their final exam and gain qualification.

Currently with her are Olivia, in her final year, and Anita, in her second year.

A hairdressing apprenticeship takes approximately four years. The first two years are when the apprentice learns the most units, consisting of both theory and practical elements.

Years one and two sees the apprentice working on product knowledge; the selection and application of treatments, and of permanent colour; hair-ups; blow-drying; finger-waves and cutting.

Year three is yet more advances – working on more clients, doing things faster, and learning more challenging units, such as bleach and tone; colour correction; removing unwanted additives from hair, and chemical straightening.

Year four sees the apprentice doing all elements of hairdressing and building their own clientele.

Last up is the final six-hour practical exam – basically like a full day in a salon, made up of three different services.

Rosanne loves having an apprentice inhouse, teaching them new things, watching their passion for the industry come alive and grow.

“I would highly recommend looking into an apprenticeship, rather than doing a course; you learn a lot more in the salon environment, and you also earn money while you learn.”