Thrilled Connor’s apprenticeship a cut above chance
A TEENAGER from Copnor is the latest apprentice to add his name to the 100 in 100 campaign, as the city-wide collaboration aims for its extended target of helping 250 young people into work in 100 days.
Connor Mullaney, 19, has joined Haha Training in North End as a hairdressing apprentice.
The personal care industry has been one of the hardest hit by lockdowns throughout the pandemic, but talented young apprentices are helping the industry to bounce back.
Connor had to wait to start his journey into his new career due to the national lockdown, but he has hit the ground running in his first few weeks at the salon.
He said: ‘I could not wait to get started!
‘I was delighted when I found out I had been successful in applying for the role at Haha, especially as a young male in an industry which is dominated by females.
‘As part of my research I read a statistic that 83 per cent of people working in hairdressing are women.
‘The first three weeks have been a whirlwind but I have learnt so much already and loved every second of it.
‘The role is so varied, One minute I’m taking appointments and the next I’m talking to clients whilst preparing them for their stylist.
‘The best bit is the learning, both on and off the job. I am able to immediately apply what I learn in my apprenticeship lessons on the shop floor and this definitely helps it stick.’
Steve Churcher, owner director of Haha, couldn’t be happier that the doors are now open and feels Connor has a big role to play in his business’s future.
He said: ‘Haha offers training, in partnership with Portsmouth College, to salons and apprentices across Portsmouth and we are delighted to see not only all of our partner salons back open but our own salon finally being able to welcome our loyal customers back.
‘I was blown away by Connor’s level of enthusiasm at his interview and this was supported by extensive research into the industry.
‘The standard of apprentices applying for roles currently is phenomenal. The team at Haha feel there is a bright future ahead for Connor and, who knows, he may even move on to teaching the next generation of Haha apprentices one day.’
Portsmouth College has established 19 hairdressing apprenticeships in the past month and forecasts a further 40 starts by the end of the academic year.
Vice principal Tom Lloyd feels there are now more opportunities than ever for young people from Portsmouth to build a career in their industry of choice.
He said: ‘When it comes to careers I am a massive believer in people doing something they love and what better time to do this than at the start of your journey.
‘Any young person considering a career in a particular field now has access to potential work experience placements, Kickstart initiatives, traineeships, apprenticeships and direct employment.
‘The wide range of government funding grants offered to businesses has really helped to put education and training at the heart of economic growth.
‘Portsmouth College is here to serve the training needs of the city and the 100 in 100 campaign collaboration, with our academic partners and Shaping Portsmouth has allowed us to enhance that offer to the young people of Portsmouth. We are delighted to be part of such a successful initiative and I encourage any employer or young person looking to set up an apprenticeship to get in touch with the college directly.’