Overview of apprenticeship
On an apprenticeship you will learn whilst working, you will experience what it is like to deliver high quality hairdressing services along with excellent training enabling you to achieving a level 2 qualification that will be graded Pass or Distinction.
Your teacher will be a current expert in the hairdressing industry, they will use a variety of teaching methods including explanation and discussion, as well as group and individual activities. The class will be small and friendly and will focus on building everyday practical skills and solving problems which involve mathematical calculations. You will receive regular training whilst in your work place and will be assigned a programme tutor from the college to support your every step. The qualification includes an End Point Assessment, this will be arranged once you have achieved all of the qualification requirements, and have sat any necessary English & Maths exams. There will be plenty of time to practice the skills you have acquired.
Hair professionals will be able to shampoo and condition hair, cut hair using a range of techniques, style and finish hair to create variety of looks, colour and lighten hair using different techniques . You will also need to choose an additional unit; either perming, hair extensions or relaxing hair services.
Hair professionals must be able to work with all hair types ranging from straight hair to very curly, wiry hair. They also need to be able to carry out consultations with clients, demonstrate the professionalism, values, behaviours, communication skills and safe working practices associated with their role and be able to work without supervision to a high level of precision, with exceptional client care skills.
Learners will attend college one day a week to learn theoretical and practical practices within the qualification.
Learners will also experience mock End Point Assessment during their programme to prepare them for the final element required to complete the course.
Delivery Plan and Assessment
Learners will attend West Suffolk College one day a week for taught sessions, excluding half terms and holidays. In total, learners have to spend 20% of their time on programme completing Off-The-Job training, this includes their day release, and any shadow shifts. Apprentices will be supported by 1:1 meetings in the workplace by their dedicated Programme Tutor. Additional learning resources and information will be made available online to ensure a fully blended learning experience.
On completion of your training you will complete End Point Assessment.
Where will this course take me?
As well as ensuring a foundation level of competence within Hairdressing, this apprenticeship provides a foundation for potential progression into a role within the company, or a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hairdressing.
Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?
Your wage is decided by your employer however must meet the National Minimum Wage regulations https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
This is a guide to your possible earnings:
How much money can I make as a hairdresser in the UK?
Once qualified a Hairdresser earns an average wage of £7.18 per hour with annual wages between £12K to £30K depending on your years of experience and continued training.
Entry requirements
Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification. Candidates must have at least a Grade 2 at GCSE in maths and English.
Candidates are required to complete level 2 Maths and English Functional skills prior to End Point Assessment.
The industry has high client expectations and relies on repeat business, therefore, importance is given to the following: appropriate personal presentation including hair and personal hygiene. Practical organisational and social skills. Attention to detail and cleanliness. A good sense of humour. Good communication skills, and be prepared to work flexible hours.
Qualifications
On completion of the apprenticeship, you will have achieved:
- Full Level 2 Hair Professional - Hairdressing Standard.
- Skills for Success - This module is designed by West Suffolk College to ensure you have all the personal skills and behaviours to succeed in the workplace.
- Any required Functional Skills in English or Maths.
How is this funded?
Learners
Apprentices are not required to contribute financially towards Apprenticeship training.
Employers
If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more, you will pay into an apprenticeship levy. This levy is then used to pay for the training element of the apprenticeship course. The total figure for the Apprenticeship is negotiated before enrolment and once confirmed will be taken in monthly payments from your account directly to us or paid to us via invoice should additional fees be required.
If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of under £3 million, the Government will fund 95% of the training fee meaning you will be required to contribute 5%. You may be required to contribute additional fees which we will invoice the company for. The additional fees will be made known and negotiated prior to the Apprentice enrolment.
There are additional incentives available if you are a small employer (under 50) and if you train/recruit a 16-18 year old or 19-24 year old with an Education Health and Care Plan.
Contact us on 01284 716235 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details of costs and how Apprenticeships are funded.
Try out our apprenticeship levy calculator here
I'm interested. What should I do now?
You apply for an Apprenticeship in the same way you would apply for a job: find an apprenticeship vacancy, send in your CV or complete an application. We can help you with applications and give you interview advice. Please view the following page on our website to see our latest Apprenticeship vacancies.
Apprenticeship Vacancies: https://www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/apprenticeships/vacancies
Alternatively, you can look on the GOV.UK website to see what other Apprenticeships vacancies may be available: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Employers - Please contact us to speak with a member of the Apprenticeship Team for more information and to organise a face to face visit.
Days & times
Please contact us for dates and further information