How Apprenticeships Helped Build an Award-Winning Salon
When Wynyard Therapy opened in 2022, one of Alice’s priorities was getting the team foundations right from the very beginning. Nearly four years on, she credits hairdressing apprenticeships as one of the key factors behind the salon’s growth, its award wins, and the standard of experience guests receive every time they visit.
Working with Kleek Apprenticeships, Wynyard Therapy has developed two hairdressing apprentices who have become important members of the business. The story was recently covered by The Salon Magazine, and this is a look at how that has worked in practice, and what it has meant for the salon.
Building the team from the ground up
Starting a new salon means building everything from scratch, including the people. Alice wanted structure in place early, and the Kleek apprenticeship programme gave her a framework to train young talent while they contributed to the day-to-day running of the business. Kleek Educator Claire Dixon has been part of that journey throughout, supporting both the apprentices and Alice as their employer.
“Kleek has supported me throughout the entire journey of building my hair team from the ground up here at Wynyard Therapy. From day one, Kleek’s apprenticeship programme provided the guidance, training and support needed to help my apprentices develop their skills while contributing to the day-to-day success of the salon.”
What apprentices actually do in the salon
It is easy to assume apprentices are largely background support, but at Wynyard Therapy they are visible and active from the moment a guest arrives. They handle reception duties, assist with salon operations, carry out blow-dries and backwash services, and play a direct role in making sure every client feels looked after throughout their visit.
That frees the senior stylists to focus on delivering the technical work, while the overall guest experience stays smooth and attentive. It is a structure that works well for the team and for clients.
Guest Relations
Apprentices are involved in the client journey from arrival, helping ensure every guest feels welcomed and well looked after.
Salon Operations
From reception to backwash services and blow-dries, apprentices keep the floor running smoothly alongside the senior team.
Ongoing Education
Apprentices develop their skills through the Kleek programme while gaining real experience in an award-winning salon environment.
New Services
When Alice introduced luxury Remi Cachet hair extensions, the apprentices embraced the new service and helped grow it within the business.
The link between apprentices and award wins
Wynyard Therapy became a multi-award-winning salon in under a year of opening. Alice is direct about why: the customer service and guest relations that apprentices deliver from day one played a significant part in that. Hairdressing Apprentice Leah has also earned individual recognition, reaching the finals of the UK Hair and Beauty Awards in two consecutive years.
“We became a multi-award-winning salon in just under one year, and that was due to the great customer service and guest relations. A huge part of that is down to our apprentices.”
That kind of result does not happen without apprentices who are genuinely engaged. Alice describes them as hungry to learn, and quick to chase any new opportunity put in front of them. That appetite is something the Kleek programme helps channel into practical, measurable progress within the salon.
What taking on an apprentice actually involves
Alice is straightforward on this point: apprenticeships are not a shortcut to cheap labour, and salon owners need to go in with the right expectations. Structure, systems, dedicated training time, and consistent support are all part of the commitment. The reward is watching someone grow, gain confidence, and build a career within your business, but the groundwork has to be there first.
On the practical side, new government incentives have made the financial case for apprenticeships stronger than it has been. Alice has said publicly that the additional support has made the prospect of taking on another apprentice worth reconsidering. For salons weighing the decision, that extra help changes the calculation.
Growing the salon through new talent
Beyond the day-to-day, apprentices have helped Wynyard Therapy move into new areas. When Alice introduced luxury hair extension services using Remi Cachet, the apprentices took the specialist training seriously and became part of how that service grew. They also contributed to the wellbeing culture within the salon, which matters as much internally as it does for the guest experience.
If you are curious about the wider team at Wynyard Therapy and the services they deliver, you can read more on our Meet the Team page or explore the full hair menu.
Experience the team for yourself
Book an appointment at Wynyard Therapy and see the standard our team delivers, from senior stylists to the apprentices who keep everything running beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Apprentices support reception, assist with salon operations, carry out blow-dries and backwash services, and help ensure every client receives excellent care throughout their visit.
The salon became multi-award-winning in under a year of opening. Alice attributes a significant part of that to the guest relations and customer service that apprentices deliver from the moment someone walks through the door.
Wynyard Therapy works with Kleek Apprenticeships, whose educator Claire Dixon has supported Alice throughout the process of developing the salon’s hairdressing apprentices.
We are at 128-130 The Stables, Wynyard Village, Billingham TS22 5QY. Open Tuesday to Saturday, with late appointments on Thursday and Friday evenings.
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128-130 The Stables
Wynyard, Billingham
TS22 5QY