I would have to agree with Alison from Vidal Sasson in San Fransisco, the training you receive in house whilst an apprentice far surpasses any beauty school training. What all young hopefulls must realise is that you must have passion, patience and be willing to learn as its a job that no matter how long you have been doing it for or how good you think you are there is always more to learn.
In most of the western world you have to complete a 4 year apprenticeship in a salon before they deem you qualified, this means starting from scratch at the bottom but how long you stay there will be up to you as each person and there learning skills are different.
Just because you have a certificate stating you have completed an 8 mth course at Toni & Guy does not qualify you as a hairdresser- remember no salon owner is going to risk his or her reputation, clients and business on a hairdresser with out ensuring that persons standards are up to their expectations or the salons.
If anything your certificate will mean you have a head start on those who havent done any kind of course thus the employer doesnt need to drill into you the basics - and depending on how fast and well you learn may mean you get to be on the floor quicker - but that will all depend on your attitude and ability to learn.
It is far better to be in a salon learning as this will give you a taste of all aspects of the craft from the mundane to the truely creative and exciting as most hairdressers will tell you its not all glamour and filmstars
Plus you will also have the stability of a job, ability to grow a clientel, availability of trainers to learn from.
It is also great to go and learn from others in the industry as well ( no matter what salon they are from) it gives you a better understanding of the art form and allows you to explore and create your own unique style, as hairdressers we all have something to give - it is those of us who chose to embrace that of others that become truely great workers of the craft.