Careers:TRAINING

A secure future and better professional standards for hairdressers in the 1980s are the aims set out by the Hairdressing Industry's Joint Training Council in a policy statement on training. It outlines a training structure for hairdressers which the JTC hopes will be adopted throughout the craft from apprentice level to salon owner and in its role of ensuring that full and proper training opportunities are available to hairdressers at all levels, is advocating that principles and safeguards similar to those of the British Hairdressing Apprenticeship Council's (BHAC) Indenture should be incorporated in the terms of employment of all apprentices entering the craft. Training policy has been developed to encourage and motivate employers to provide structured training for their staff throughout the apprenticeship period, and to convince qualified hairdressers of the value of advanced level training as a means of increasing their status and professional standing. The statement calls for the adoption of job specifications at each career level, outlines the progression from apprentice to salon manager, and recommends that progression should be by examination. It claims that a combination of education and training is essential for the proper development of a hairdresser, and recommends a pattern of awards leading to Licenciateship of City & Guilds of London Institute, with Master Craftsman Award being the designation for the achievement of this standard since it corresponds in status to European Awards with similar titles. The JTC hopes that basic and advanced training schemes provided in‐house or by commercial schools and establishments — which reflect the aims and objectives of the policy and meet its recommended end standard — can be incorporated to provide overall integrated training and development facilities for those engaged in hairdressing at all levels.