"Education is the
key element in the
success of any
great hairdresser"

Van Council
Owner & Founder

"The difference with
Van Michael Salons
training is our
highly interactive
approach to
modern
hairdressing"

Brandon Darragh
Artistic Director

"A good education
not only provides
you with the best
technical skills, but
also the soft skills
that will ensure
economic and
personal success"

Len Thompson
Director of Education

"Education is not
about teaching the
greatest thing, it is
about guiding
others to create the
greatest things. "

Natalie Gurley
Director of Color
Education

The Education Program

The training program consists of three cycles. On average, it takes about one to two years for a stylist or colorist to complete the course. Once the stylist or colorists are on the salon floor, the true creative genius can begin to shine, with the best graduating up to the Van Michael Salons senior floor.

Since one of Van Michael Salon's major points of difference is the education program, it's no surprise that the road to becoming an educator, is not easy. The try-out consists of first putting on a mini - "hair show" for students and other educators to show off their creative & technical expertise. Once an educator, they must also work at hair shows all over the country and editorial photo shoots to hone their skills as well as become an excellent spokesperson for Van Michael Salons.

By the time stylists and colorists reach the master level, they have been in the industry for a minimum of ten years and are considered technically and creatively at the top of their field. Respected by their peers, coveted by their clients and looked up to by students, being at the master level is the ultimate goal for anyone wanting recognition within the competitive, fast-paced hair styling industry.

Cycle 1 - Personal Assistant
Duties include personally assisting a senior stylist or colorist. This includes performing stress relieving treatments on clients for your stylist or colorist and finishing of clients.

The schedule of Tuesday through Saturday is determined according to your stylist or colorists' schedule, and training on Mondays brings the work week to 40-46 hours.

During this time you are in "Cycle I" of the training program. Time spent in "Cycle I" (as with all cycles) is self-paced and determined by your level of skill and desire.

Cycle 2 - New Talents Salon
During this time you are in "Cycle II", and additional duties include cutting or coloring of your own clientele, performing stress relieving treatments and finishing of all your clients. Advanced training is conducted on Mondays for 4 hours, and salon schedules are Tuesday through Saturday or Saturday through Wednesday.

The New Talent's work week is approximately 30-40 Hours.

Cycle 3 - Van Michael Salon
After completing training as a personal assistant and training in New Talents (on average 9 to 12 months in training at New Talents) you are now eligible to test-out as a Van Michael stylist or colorist.

The Van Michael schedule is Tuesday through Saturday and employees have the potential to earn $30,000 -$40,000 during the first full year on the Van Michael floor.

Benefits
- Internal training systems for all levels of employees
- Medical & Dental insurance - 401(k)
- Educational Co-op
- Paid Vacations
- Opportunity to be part of our collection and/or show team
- Relocation allowance for Aveda Institute & Aveda share school graduates