The academy, which has been set up to harness employee in-store industry knowledge to provide customers with more professional in-store experience, was launched by Conservative MP, John Redwood, at Salon Services' head office near Reading.
It is hoped the academy will recognise the expertise of qualified hairdressers, beauticians and beauty therapists and also provide a thorough training programme for store managers and sales assistants with the aim of getting 600 of its 1,350 store-based employees qualified through the Academy by the end of 2011.
The academy will incorporate a fast track scheme for qualified sales assistants and store managers. The process will recognise and assess their industry knowledge, expertise and selling ability.
On successful completion employees will receive a Certificate of Achievement and a badge highlighting they are a 'Qualified Hairdresser', 'Qualified Beautician' or 'Qualified Beauty Therapist'.
For non-qualified store managers and sales assistants there will be a structured learning programme consisting of a series of workbooks that contain industry information, work based activities and creative/commercial projects.
These are designed to raise staff knowledge and confidence in order to give outstanding customer service. On successful completion of the seven modules employees will receive a certificate of achievement and a badge highlighting they are a 'Hair Adviser' or 'Beauty Adviser'.
Richard Hull, MD at Salon Services said: "Supporting the development of our staff is at the heart of our business and what we stand for. Not only will our customers reap the benefits but by taking part, staff have an opportunity to up skill themselves as well as increase their salary by qualifying through the Academy."
