Life Changer Trims barber shop provides apprenticeship to youths to equip them with essential skills. Pictured: Hussain Arshad and August Joseph John. Picture by Mable Nsingo
Life Changer Trims has launched an apprenticeship scheme to help young people learn new skills and keep them out of trouble.
August Joseph John, the founder of the business on Fawcett Road, said: ‘I opened this shop to give the young ones opportunities to learn and to stop them causing trouble on the streets. I know how it feels so I just want to motivate the kids to learn and earn money.’
August Joseph John,owner of the Life Changer Trims barbershop cutting a client's hair in his barber shop. Picture by Mable Nsingo
The 36-year-old, who was born and raised in Gambia, worked in barber shops for many years before setting up his own business in premises that used to be a women’s clothing store.
Mr John, who is a father himself, said he wants to teach young people skills that could help them carve a career path and broaden their future options.
He said: ‘I want the kids to learn from me because it’s not easy. The main thing is to give them the opportunity to learn something and have a job.’
One apprentice who works for Life Changer Trims, Dilpreet Singh, said: ‘Education isn’t really for everyone. I feel like some people just learn the best when they do something and I think apprenticeships are the best for that.’
The 21-year-old, who enjoys the practical style of learning Mr John offers, shared how working in the shop has taught him about the practicalities of being a barber, while also improving his social skills and ability to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds.
The apprentice, of Jubilee Road, said: ‘It’s enjoyable, you get people from all different walks of life coming through the shop. You learn a lot. I don’t fully know about how I want to go about the rest of my life but this is definitely an option for me now.’
In addition to helping young people in the local community find work, Mr John has also managed to attract famous customers into his shop, including footballers Anton Walkes and Jamal Lowe.
The entrepreneurial barber has also spent the pandemic planning for the re-opening of his shop on new premises, which opened two months ago.
One of his new innovative ideas is the use of a face steamer treatment given to all customers, which he hopes will act as a unique selling point for his business.
Mr John, who lives in Fratton, hopes the improvements will provide a much-needed boost after months of lockdowns.
The shop is operating a booking system, where appointments can be booked online. It also offers walk-in appointments based on availability.
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