Working in a salon as part of your hairdressing apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. You'll be employed in a real salon environment, where you'll develop job-specific skills through hands-on experience, while also attending college one day per week to work towards a nationally recognised qualification in hairdressing.
This blended approach combines practical training with expert-led classroom learning, ensuring you build a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of the profession. From day one, you'll start learning key skills such as cutting, colouring, styling, and finishing techniques, all while being supported by experienced professionals in a working salon.
Hairdressing is a creative, dynamic, people-focused career. As part of the service industry, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a wide range of clients, build strong relationships, and grow your own loyal client base. Over time, you’ll gain confidence in delivering personalised consultations and high-quality services tailored to each individual's needs.
By the end of your training, you'll not only have gained a formal qualification but also real salon experience, preparing you for a successful career in this exciting and rewarding industry.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Examples of mandatory Level 2 units include:
Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
Cut hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks
Style and finish hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks
Colour and lighten hair using a range of techniques
You will also learn professionalism and values, behaviours and communication, safe working practices and consultation.
There is also a wide range of optional units across Level 2 such as perming hair, hair relaxing treatments and hair extension services.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Exams
Online multiple choice tests
Portfolio of evidence
Written assignments
Practical demonstrations
Class activities/discussions
As part of the standard, you will also be expected to complete an end point assessment.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
The Level 2 apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to progress onto further qualifications in the hairdressing industry. You could also progress onto a Barbering apprenticeship.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
The hairdressing industry is competitive and relies on repeat customers. To be successful you will need the following: appropriate personal presentation, good social and organisational skills, an amicable nature, good sense of humour, willingness to work flexible hours/days and good communication skills.
You will need to wear your salon uniform when attending college.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All Apprenticeships require an initial assessment, interview and employment in the industry. You will need to have good people, dexterity and communication skills as well as a desire to work professionally with the general public.
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