New to Van Clarke? Subscribe to our newsletter for 15% off your first order. Start your haircare journey today.
Probably a lot more exciting, diverse and rewarding than people imagine. The stereotypical image of a hairdressing career is one that's fairly limited. This comes from poor training, and the lack of opportunity in local and high street salons.
Michael has created a new breed of hairstylists and technicians, offering a career that is skilled, respected and highly paid – the average earnings of the salon stylists being more than those of the average UK solicitor or accountant. As a result, Michael is responsible for developing the careers of some of the best talent the industry has seen, with many of his graduates going on to win individual awards.
Michael’s current team is full of ambitious, savvy, and most importantly talented people, who work as a team in a luxurious salon environment. We’ve asked a few of them to share their stories, and bring to life what a career in the hair & beauty industry looks like today.
Summer
‘I joined Michael Van Clarke at 16 years old as an Apprentice, seven years ago. The training I've received from the very start has been completely tailored to my individual needs, and I've learnt more than I ever could have anticipated. It’s amazing to think that when I started I had a base of nothing, and I now have a loyal client list and am being hired to cover weddings and fashion shows. I'm also looking to buy my second home.'
Mitchell
‘Michael took me under his wing at the age of 17, and I spent a year as his training apprentice. He taught me brilliantly and inspired me to have an excellent work ethic. Since starting I’ve learnt the finer skills of how to deliver a show-stopping blow dry, and our signature Diamond Dry Cut method. I now have a large client following of my own, actively participate in fashion shows, television work and training apprentices. Over these last five years my confidence and communication skills have advanced considerably.
Claire
‘My journey in the hair and beauty industry began outside of Michael Van Clarke. I joined when I was 19 having gained some initial training at a central London salon. I quickly realised that I could be receiving higher quality training and education, and that’s when I applied to Michael Van Clarke and have never looked back. Fifteen years later I am a respected Senior Stylist and partner in the business. My technical knowledge, understanding and skill is far superior to that of my peers in the industry.
With his passion for people development, Michael created The London Salon Academy, which includes a 12 – 18 month training programme for Apprentices.
Each Apprentice will work through a series of modular based training exercises and assessments in order pass the Michael Van Clarke training. An option to attain a Level 1 and 2 NVQ in Hairdressing is also available. Clear documentation supports the practical training but the Academy is careful not to overload Apprentices with paperwork.
The Academy’s approach to training is very ‘hands on’ to enable Apprentices to master the tools and equipment in the early stages. Teaching hand and eye skills, and creative judgement are the most important elements. The syllabus is carefully structured to ensure proficiency and confidence in a discipline before moving on to the next stage. Once Apprentices master a stage they have the opportunity to apply these skills with paying clients.
This immersion allows for a quicker and much more effective learning process. What sets Michael’s London Salon Academy apart from the competition is that Apprentices learn a wide variety of life skills which prepare them for successful, glamorous and flourishing careers. They are also exposed to the full range of hairdressing beyond salon clients, including photographic work, couture European fashion shows, bridal work and teaching seminars.
On average, Apprentices make the transformation over three years from Apprenticeship to Partnership though a Limited Liability Partnership scheme which allows employees to become hairdressing partners after the two-year graduate stylist period.
Being part of the Michael Van Clarke team has never been more exciting. Here are five reasons why you should consider joining today…
1. Opportunity to learn from Michael
Apprentices have the opportunity to work with Michael and see first-hand just why he is the industry’s finest hairdresser.
2. Varied schedule of learning
We’re passionate about team development and ensure everyone is improving their minds with weekly stimulating materials. You’ll receive education in trichology, psychology, personal presentation and public speaking, photographic work, catwalk shows, five-star service skills, business skills, media training, fashion and luxury lifestyle awareness – building your competence in multiple ways.
3. Ability to run your own business, with high earnings
You’ll have the opportunity to build your own client business, and be in control of your monthly earnings. Our team find that directly reaping the benefits of their hard work and dedication an extremely rewarding process and system.
4. One to one mentors
You will be paired with an experienced mentor. This is a fantastic opportunity to get stuck in from day one, and to absorb the subtle nuances of expertise, then practise what you’ve learnt on models under the watchful guidance of a trainer.
5. Access to an experienced Life Coach
We have an in-house Life Coach whose sole purpose is to help develop our staff and their strengths. This has been hugely popular with our team, and we have seen it make a big impact on the success of their careers.
We offer a range of exciting careers and are continually looking for top talent. Please find a list of our current vacancies below. To apply please email your CV to careers@vanclarke.com
Stylists
If you’re fed up earning minimum wage, and are looking for more than just a job, we’re looking for stylists that have a driving ambition to realise their best self. Do you enjoy exploring, discovering, learning a better way of doing things? Would you like your earnings to be in the top 1%. Do you have high standards and a good feel for hair. We’re committed to the genuine care comfort and transformation of our clients and through our life-skills training and our daily practice we too become transformed.
Apply
Front of House
We’re looking for a Maitre d'/Floor Manager to be a welcoming face and engaging voice to our clientele, and ensure day to day operational standards are maintained amongst the team. You’ll be here to maintain a positive ambience and ensure clients are delighted with our service.
To be successful:
We require a well presented individual who is a great organiser with excellent communication skills and with the ability to stay calm in a pressurised environment.
You’ll need to have previous management experience in hairdressing or hospitality in customer facing roles.
Apply
Apprentices - Full Time
We're looking to hire the next generation of talent to join our luxurious salon in Marylebone. If you are currently leaving school, college or wanting a change of careers and looking to work as an apprentice then we would love to hear from you.
We offer an intensive personalised training programme that provides you with the skills and potential to be your best. With a clear development path to move from apprenticeship to partnership. If you have already achieved your NVQ in Hairdressing we would still like to hear from you.
Apply