College isn’t for everyone; trade school isn’t for everyone. For those who don’t find their passion at a university or trade school, there are alternatives. This is where the apprenticeship comes in. Here, we want to take the time to explain what our apprenticeship program looks like for both the apprentice and our clients.

You may or may not have noticed the sign in our salon that says, “We are a teaching business. All of our students are supervised by certified staff. We recognize that not everyone is comfortable with this, so if you wish your pet not to be handled by students, please let us know.” This is in reference to our apprenticeship program. Through this program, Tails-A-Wagn’ hires people who are willing to learn the trade and skills of grooming.

Apprentices (or students) go through a similar application process as any other employee. Once hired, the apprentice works in the salon in various areas learning the skills it takes to become a stylist. Our students work hard, and we ensure they are learning under an experienced and certified stylist.

The apprentice program is self-paced, and taught via a distance-learning program with Paragon School of Pet Grooming. Students are taught with hands-on learning, as well as online classroom learning. Students, before acceptance into the apprentice program at Tails-A-Wagn’, come and observe how we work and get an idea for company culture. Should we decide to work with one another, students spend some time in each area of the salon, learning the various skills needed to be a stylist.

So, if you see our sign hanging in the lobby, know that we are doing what we can to teach people a valuable trade, and by allowing your pet to spend time with our students, you are doing your part too!