Hairdressing and Barbering Apprenticeships & Qualifications

About Hairdressing and Barbering

Are you looking to start an exciting career in hairdressing or barbering? If you want to be a trend-setting stylist and the next generation of talent, then this could be perfect for you. 

You’ll achieve a high quality, internationally recognised qualification while earning a wage and getting on-the-job experience. 

Along with your employer, our expert training team will give you the relevant skills you’ll need for a career in this ever-changing industry and to stay at the forefront of the hairdressing or barbering sector. 

You'll need to have good customer service skills, creativity and an awareness of current trends. You’ll also need to be willing to learn new techniques and methods. 

You might be employed in a small salon or as part of a large franchise but your skills will enable you to progress your career in many ways, from working on cruise ships to session work and TV.  

What you’ll be doing 

You’ll learn through on-the-job experience in a salon environment where you’ll gain knowledge and skills in several core areas. 

You’ll also need to complete 20% off-the-job learning which will include theory delivery, shadowing, mentoring and coaching at our sites and in the workplace. 

There are two distinct careers available: 

Hairdressing 

As a hairdressing apprentice you'll be assisting senior staff while learning practical skills to become a qualified hairdresser.  Your main duties will include booking in consultations, shampooing, conditioning, cutting and styling a client’s hair, learning about how to apply different colour treatments and finishes as well as gaining foundations on specific techniques such as perms, extensions and relax. 

Barbering 

As a barbering apprentice you'll be assisting senior staff while learning practical skills to become a qualified barber.  Your main duties will include booking in consultations, shampooing, conditioning, cutting and styling men's hair as well as learning specific shaving service techniques and facial hair cuts. 

Mandatory qualification 

Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing/Barbering) 

You’ll also learn about 

• health and safety  
• working without supervision 
• effective communication  
• customer care 

Functional skills 

If you don’t have Level 1 English and maths, you’ll need to achieve this before taking the End Point Assessment (EPA). 

How do you get into the industry? 

To have a successful career in Hairdressing or Barbering you need drive and motivation to help you constantly improve your technical skills and stay ahead of emerging trends and fashions. 

Typical skills required include: 

• good communication skills 
• confident and outgoing personality 
• creativity 

To start a Hairdressing and Barbering Apprenticeship at Level 2 or 3, you’ll need to have a job or a placement as this is a work-based qualification. 

Employers may look for specific qualifications which are listed on each apprenticeship vacancy. 

Further Progression 

After completing this apprenticeship, you might want to gain advanced hair qualifications or one of our apprenticeships in Customer Service and Management.