Arcana hair and beauty has expanded rapidly since the business was started, largely thanks to Apprenticeships.
Arcana’s founder Debbie Elderton says: “I was always aware that the success of my business would depend upon employing a highly skilled workforce, and Apprenticeships have played a crucial role in this.”
Apprenticeships have been vital to Arcana’s growth from one salon with five employees to two salons with a total of 35 staff members.
Debbie explains: “The Apprenticeship programme presented me with the ideal way of investing in staff for my salon. I didn’t just want employees who were going to train for their qualifications and then move onto another job; I wanted to create a culture where staff felt that they had plenty of opportunities to progress within the organisation.”
Debbie understands the importance of choice and all of Arcana’s staff are given a training pyramid which offers both mainstream and diverse qualification options. Employees are able to not only become specialists in their craft, but also branch out into other areas. Recently Arcana’s beauty team leader retrained to become front of house manager.
In recruiting for a small business, Debbie has also had to consider budget. Apprenticeships have provided a perfect solution, avoiding the high costs associated with hiring from agencies.
The opportunities to train in different areas of the business have also developed apprentices who can work in a variety of roles. This has lead to a highly skilled, flexible and motivated workforce. Debbie continues “Training with the salon has definitely given my apprentices a lot more confidence in their abilities and a greater degree of job satisfaction.”
Arcana’s thriving team of stylists and therapists has created a successful salon offering high standards of customer care.
Arcana was a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year category in the national Apprenticeship Awards 2008.