Kilworth business well groomed for success
Nominations are in for the 2021 Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, and amongst the companies highlighted for their commitment to the new scheme is Kilworth entrepreneur and hair stylist, Ger Hennessy.
The awards showcase the talent and energy of Ireland’s thriving apprenticeship employer sector. Ger Hennessy’s Hair Studio is a well-established business in the village, setting up shop back in 1999. The business woman started out on her own, and was joined by her mother, also a hairdresser. She moved to a bigger premises in 2000, and the business won Team of the Year’ at the 2019 Irish Hair and Beauty Awards.
“I’m very proud of the business I have grown, but it would not be possible without my amazing staff and family support. We have a very positive vibe in the salon. Each team member brings their own personality and talent to the salon.”
Ger has two apprentices in the studio, one of whom is completing her studies under the new Apprenticeship Scheme. She is highly complimentary of the scheme.
“I’ve always taken on apprentices, trained them myself and they would graduate with their certificate. However, this way they come out with a Level 6 on the QQI. They are in college one day a week, and four days a week in the studio. There’s a huge amount of engagement between the studio and the college, so we would know what the girl is learning in college and work collaboratively with that.”
“To come out with a Level 6 QQI is great. She can travel the world if she wants with her qualification - when we can travel again!”
Ger has seen a huge increase in the number of people who want to do an apprenticeship, and told The Avondhu that when she reopened after Covid restrictions were lifted, she had more applications for an apprenticeship than ever before, and the new interest is a welcome alternative ‘for those who just want to be working, and not going straight to college’.
Her nomination reflects the time and effort she puts into training her apprentices.
“To be nominated for an award; it just shows the time and effort you put in, and it’s nice to get it back. It’s great - it shows that we’re in the right direction, and that we’re bringing on the younger staff. We can’t manage the salon without them to be honest. When I was training, I moved around a lot as I felt I stagnated. I don’t ever want my apprentices to move around - I want them to feel challenged here, within their capabilities of course.”
The announcements will be made in early December. Twelve companies have been nominated in the South West region for the Employer of the Year awards, out of 71 nationally.