Cactus Club Salon and Spa in Okotoks is giving apprentices the tools they need to succeed.

The salon has started the Empowerment Program where apprentices are now able to take clients on Sundays instead of strictly serving as stylist assistants. This gives apprentices the chance to work in a real salon setting under the supervision of the salon's educator Brittny Etheredge.

Sara Noyes, manager, says the program helps to fill a void for students.

"It's great to have a bridge between the school and salon where clients are patient and willing to take longer during an appointment," she says. "The apprentices can stop and ask Brittny questions and make sure they're doing everything correctly and the clients can provide feedback at the same time... it builds confidence."

Every Sunday morning the apprentices take a one hour class before they begin working with clients.

Noyes says education plays a significant role to the business.

"We believe highly in education and we invest a lot in professional education at our salon," she says. "We've had some incredible artists come in and teach us, we do a lot of that for our professional stylists."

Services by apprentices cost less and clients are able to request an apprentice when they book their appointments.

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