Assistant Stylist (Dog Grooming Academy)
Learn. Earn. Grow. Build a Career with Pets & Friends.
Location: Pets & Friends Littleover
Contractual Hours Full Time (32- 40 hours per week)
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract 12-week paid training programme with the opportunity to progress into a permanent Stylist role within one of our local Pets & Friends salons upon successful completion.
Hourly Rate: £12.78 per hour
Reports To: Services L&D Manager and Services Area Manager
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Turn your passion for dogs into a rewarding career.
At Pets & Friends, we believe great groomers are developed through exceptional training, practical experience and ongoing support.
That's why we've created our dedicated Pets & Friends Grooming Academy; a structured training programme that allows you to earn a salary while developing the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to become a professional Dog Groomer.
From your very first day, you'll be a valued member of our team, combining paid employment with a comprehensive learning journey designed by experienced grooming professionals.
This is more than a job - it's the beginning of a long-term career.
What makes our Grooming Academy different?
Our dedicated 12-week Academy Programme combines classroom-style practical learning with real salon experience, ensuring you develop both the technical expertise and customer service skills needed to succeed.
You'll benefit from:
· Paid employment from Day One (£12.78 per hour) 4-5 days per week
· A structured 12-week training programme, with the opportunity to be offered a permanent role in one of our salons (subject to completion of succesful training programme and permanent vacancies available)
· Two-Three dedicated Academy training days each week
· Two days gaining real experience in one of our busy grooming salons
· Learn from experienced, industry-recognised trainers and supportive salon mentors who will coach, encourage and guide you every step of the way.
· Regular practical assessments, coaching sessions and personalised feedback
· A recognised development pathway towards becoming a fully qualified Dog Groomer
Our Academy has been carefully designed to help you build confidence gradually, combining hands-on experience with expert guidance in a supportive learning environment.
What you'll learn
Over the course of the programme, you'll develop the practical skills, technical knowledge and professional behaviours required to work confidently in a commercial grooming salon.
Technical Grooming Skills
You'll learn how to:
- Safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments
- Understand canine behaviour and recognise body language
- Carry out health and welfare checks before grooming
- Bathe and dry dogs using professional grooming equipment
- Identify coat types and select appropriate grooming products
- Brush, de-shed and safely manage coat maintenance
- Safely use clippers, blades and grooming equipment
- Develop scissoring techniques and breed-specific styling
- Complete full grooming appointments from consultation through to finishing touches
- Maintain grooming equipment and uphold excellent salon hygiene standards
Real Salon Experience
Alongside your Academy training, you'll gain valuable experience working in one of our busy Pets & Friends salons where you'll:
- Support experienced Dog Groomers throughout the grooming process
- Prepare dogs for grooming appointments
- Develop confidence working with a variety of breeds
- Build your speed, confidence and professionalism
- Progress towards independently completing supervised grooms
- Experience the day-to-day operation of a professional grooming salon
What we're looking for
You don't need previous grooming experience - we're looking for people with the right attitude and passion to learn.
You'll be:
- Passionate about animals
- Friendly, approachable and customer focused.
- Enthusiastic and eager to develop new skills
- Calm and confident working in a hands-on environment
- Reliable, organised and committed to high standards
- Ready to build a long-term career with Pets & Friends
Ready to begin your grooming journey?
If you're passionate about dogs, enjoy working with people and are looking for a career where you can learn, grow and make a real difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and discover how Pets & Friends can help you turn your passion into a profession.
Pay: £12.78 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring programme
- Financial planning services
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
