Clevedon salon wins at National Apprenticeship Awards
Sarah Hallaran of Beauty Oasis Spa wins the Troup Bywaters and Anders award for Small Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018 - Credit: Michael Crabtree
A Clevedon beauty salon has won a national award for its apprenticeship support.
Beauty Oasis Spa, which has a branch in Hill Road, was crowned Small Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018.
It employed its first apprentice in 2008 which proved such a success that every new recruit since has been an apprentice.
Beauty Oasis now employs seven to 10 apprentices each year with many progressing to senior staff positions.
Owner Sarah Hallaran said: “Moments like these are a great opportunity to step back and reflect – it was a real wow moment.
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“Seeing someone who is shy and struggles with communication skills become a passionate, confident individual is the best reward of all.
“We often have parents telling us about how much their child is enjoying the apprenticeship and how happy they are – as a local employer this is really important to us.
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“I spoke to my local college about how hard it was recruiting the right people.
“We started by offering a small number of level two and level three beauty therapy apprenticeships and momentum grew from there.”
Sarah is now planning on growing the support it offers apprentices even further and hopes to become a training centre of excellence in future.
But she added that due to the company’s reputation competition is tough for apprentices hoping to be employed there.
Sarah said: “Our apprentices have to show a strong level of maturity for the workplace.
“We’re picky about who we take on – and rightly so.
“We need people who want to learn and become top of their game.
“Showing consistent enthusiasm, friendliness and adaptability are really key so our clients are made to feel comfortable and happy.
“We take every chance we can to put ourselves out there and tell people about why we’re the best choice for aspiring beauty apprentices.
“Speaking at careers fairs also lets us have important conversations with parents to tackle any misconceptions they might have about apprenticeships.”
