New Rochdale business opens with the help of Hopwood apprentice

Rachel Wood, Apprentice in Action

Orchard’s Skills Advisor Mark Whittaker discussed their training needs in detail and also explained the benefits of employing an apprentice to a small start-up company such as Beyond Bronze Tanning; Christine decided this was definitely the right way forward and, with the help of Orchard Training Solutions, started looking for an apprentice.

Orchard Training Solutions managed the entire process for the company with free advertising and also by arranging all of the interviews. And success followed very quickly…

…just two weeks later Rachel Dawn Smith started with the business with full Hair Apprenticeship training at Level 2 which she studies for one day a week at Hopwood Hall College’s Rochdale campus.

Apprentice Rachel had previously unemployed and didn’t want to start a full time programme. She had researched apprenticeships and felt employers would value experience and training. Rachel said “This was the obvious option for me”.

Since starting, Rachel has developed many skills; she says “Getting training and work experience has always been my aim. I really enjoy working with all the teams at both work and College”.

Manager, Christine Smith had never been the boss previously and this is a new direction for her. Christine recently said “This is an exciting time - I’ve always wanted to own my own salon”.

Beyond Bronze Tanning, which is on Manchester Road, Rochdale, boasts all the new beauty facilities including a Veraspa. The closest alternative location for this service is central Manchester. The salon has also fully qualified nail technicians, beauty Therapists and hair stylists on board to cover every need.

Both Christine and apprentice Rachel are looking to the future and are hoping to see new faces drop in to the salon. The salon is open Monday to Saturday (09:00-17:00 hrs), telephone 01706 649 227.

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Hopwood Hall College offers up to 4,500 pounds to employ apprentices!

Training@Hopwood (The employer engagement arm of Hopwood Hall College) is currently offering employers incentives of £1,500 to recruit apprentices into existing teams. Employers can recruit up to 3 new apprentices under the incentive scheme.

The offer is available to employers with fewer than 250 employees, who have not recruited an apprentice in the previous three years. The apprentice must be between 16-24 years of age.

The aim from government is to get young people back into work, whilst supporting them in developing the skills they require for a successful career. The apprenticeship route via Hopwood Hall College offers an excellent boost to employers, improving the bottom line, competitiveness and overall cost effectiveness.

The apprenticeship team offer several training options to suite your business – We pride ourselves in having something for everyone in the workplace to meet all your training needs.

Apprentices can be new or existing employees between 16-64 years of age. The incentive is only on offer for those aged 16-24. We have more than 200 different apprenticeships available, including accounting, team leading, management and butchery.

So if you have job vacancies why not consider taking on an apprentice? We offer a free recruitment service – bringing you the best candidates. It's a great opportunity to give a young person a fantastic start to their career and give you the competitive edge. You can talk to one of the Apprentice team on 0161 654 4373.

Training@Hopwood is a major provider of bespoke training tailored to your needs, and your specifications either locally, on your premises or in the College.