Salon manager levels up with apprenticeship

Rose and Crown Hair salon manager Krystal Groves decided to study a Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) to to learn the tricks of the trade and have the knowledge to better support her team.

“I worked in the aviation industry my whole life from customer service to managing staff and operations and I was lucky enough to be able to transfer these skills and knowledge into the hairdressing industry during COVID,” said Krystal.

“However, not being a qualified hairdresser I have had to rely on my incredible stylists more than I would like. I also want to be able to help with clients when needed, so what better way to support my team than by joining them.”

The 32-year-old said having the trade skills and knowledge to support her staff is important to her and integral to the growth of the business.

“It’s been amazing to study alongside my apprentices to better understand the learning and expectations of their training. It’s also nice to be able to relate to the apprentices in the wins and hard times,” she said.

“Doing an apprenticeship can be overwhelming, so I now feel equipped to work with our apprentices so they can get the most out of their time at the salon.”

As part of TAFE Queensland’s flexible learning options, Krystal has opted to do most of her practical training at the new Robina campus due to it being better suited to her schedule, however she is always learning and taking advice from her staff.

“I am always an open book to learning in and out of the salon, and I am sure my senior staff love being able to boss me around for a change and tell me what to do,” she laughed.

Upon finishing her apprenticeship Krystal doesn’t plan to be on the tools as such, but hopes the trade will give her knowledge and understanding to be able to continually support her staff.

“I love my management role, however it will be nice to be able to fill in on the floor with clients if needed. I feel it is the best of both worlds.”

Krystal said to other businesses who are thinking about taking on an apprentices or looking for a training provider to chat with TAFE Queensland.

“We have used another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) before and didn't feel they had the best interests of our apprentices at heart. The relationship I have with the team at TAFE Queensland is great and I feel we work really well together with the same goal in mind for our apprentices.”

“It’s also exciting to see the TAFE teachers introducing new learning methods and educating us with the latest equipment and technology.”