Apprenticeship FAQs

Here are just a few reasons why being a hairdresser is so awesome…

Hairdressing is that’s all about creativity.  As a hairdresser, you’ll have the chance to use your artistic skills to create stunning hairstyles that are as unique as your clients.  Whether you’re experimenting with bold colours, edgy cuts, or intricate braids, you’ll never run out of ways to express your creativity.

You make people feel beautiful.  There’s nothing like the feeling of making someone feel confident and beautiful.  As a hairdresser, you’ll have the power to transform your clients’ look and help them feel amazing.

You get to work with cool people.  Hairdressing is a social profession, which means you’ll get to work with all kinds of interesting and diverse people.  From celebrities to everyday folks, you’ll have the chance to build relationships with your clients and make connections that can last a lifetime.

Hairdressing is a super flexible career that allows you to work full-time or part-time, freelance, or even start your own business.  You can choose to specialize in a particular area, such as colour, or work with a diverse range of industries, such as Film & TV, theatre, cruises, weddings, education, the list goes on.

Trends are constantly-evolving, which means you’ll always be learning and growing as a stylist. You’ll have to stay ahead of the game and that means attending workshops, learning about new products and techniques, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

No, hairdressing is not a dead-end job!  In fact, there are lots of opportunities for people who love hairdressing. You can work in a salon, become an expert in a certain area like colouring, or even start your own business.  Everyone will always need a haircut, which means that hairdressing is a stable and secure career choice.  And the best part is, the industry is growing fast, which means there will be even more jobs in the future.  So if you love hairdressing, don’t worry – there are plenty of exciting opportunities waiting for you!  Better yet, your income is not limited like in other jobs. As you gain experience and build a loyal client base, people will be willing to pay a premium for your expertise and your earning potential grows.  The only limit to what you can achieve is you!

Here’s how your journey will unfold:

Phase 1: Becoming a Hair Pro (NVQ 2) – Approximately 18 months

In this stage, you’ll step into the world of hair as you work towards the Hair Professional award (NVQ 2).  Get hands-on experience and learn the secrets of the trade.  It’s all about mastering the essentials!  At the end of this phase, you’ll face the End Point Assessment (EPA).  That’s your chance to show off your skills and earn that fancy certificate!

Phase 2: Unleash Your Creativity (NVQ 3) – Around 14 months

After conquering your NVQ 2, now it’s time to take your skills to the next level with the Advanced Creative Hair Professional Apprenticeship (NVQ 3). A hair extravaganza that spans approximately 14 months.  You’ll dive deeper into the world of hair artistry, pushing boundaries, and discovering your unique style.  And of course, another EPA awaits you at the end of this phase but this time with a thrilling photoshoot to showcase your newfound expertise and prove you’re a true hair maestro!

The majority of your training will take place at one of The Philip Lee Group salons.  Surrounded by the buzz of real salon life, you’ll gain invaluable experience!  You’ll also have dedicated training days with our salon-based educator who will guide you every step of the way.

As part of your journey, you’ll also attend The Academy, a vibrant hub for learning located in Stafford.  The Academy is a close training partner of ours, offering a world-class learning environment that will really supercharge your skills.  You’ll attend sessions twice a month, where you’ll connect with fellow apprentices, learn from industry experts and fine-tune your techniques.

As you embark on your apprenticeship, you’ll encounter challenges that will shape you into a resilient and accomplished professional.  One challenge is exceeding the high expectations of clients.  While it may seem intimidating at first, fear not!  You’ll have an plenty of support from your manager and teammates, cheering you on every step of the way.  Alongside mastering hairdressing skills, you’ll also have the opportunity to develop your people skills, including the art of consultation and delivering top-notch customer service.  Tackle these challenges head-on, with the guidance and encouragement of your team, and you’ll emerge as a well-rounded hairdressing professional!

The final challenge of your qualification: the End Point Assessment (EPA).  A 6-hour exam may sound intimidating but don’t be daunted!  You’ll be equipped with all the necessary support to smash through this important milestone!  Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll work closely with dedicated mentors who will ensure you’re well-prepared and you’ll be able to approach the EPA with confidence.

Why should you choose an apprenticeship over going to college?  Here’s just a few reasons that should make you think twice…

Get Paid to Learn:  While your college friends are busy racking up student debt, you’ll be earning money from the word go and getting a head start on building your future.

Hands-On Experience:  With an apprenticeship, you’ll go straight into the action.  You’ll be working side by side with industry professionals, getting hands-on and mastering real-world skills from day one.

Launch Your Career Faster:  Apprenticeships allow you to gain practical experience faster.  You’ll be job-ready!  Employers love candidates who come with real-world salon experience and a proven track record of success.

Learn From the Real Pros:  In an apprenticeship, you’ll learn directly from seasoned pros who know the ins and outs of the trade.  They’ll share their wisdom, mentor you, and guide you along the path to success.  These connections can become lifelong mentors.

The exact amount may vary depending on factors like your age, government regulations and the specific apprenticeship program.

Typically as a full time apprentice you’ll get around £900 per month and as you progress through your apprenticeship, your earning potential grows too!  When you become more proficient and take on more responsibilities, your pay gets a well-deserved boost.  It’s a win-win situation!

Many clients will a leave tip for great service, which really will add up and provides you with some extra spending money.  So, your work can pay off in more ways than one!

You are paid for the time you spend training and studying too.  But think of your apprenticeship as an investment in your future.  While you may not start off with the same salary as the seasoned pros, keep in mind that you’re gaining invaluable knowledge, practical training, and real-world experience. These foundations will set you up for long-term financial growth and open doors to exciting earning opportunities.

You’ll work between 30 to 40 hours a week, with at least 6 (usually more) of those hours dedicated to focused training sessions.  The remaining hours will be spent working in a salon environment, where you’ll actively contribute to hairdressing services, assisting experienced stylists, and honing your techniques.  This hands-on training is invaluable, as it allows you to gain real-world experience, work with clients, and develop the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in the industry.

Being a hairdressing apprentice is a thrilling and fast-paced job that offers plenty of excitement and opportunities for growth.  Here’s what a typical day might look like:

Start the day with a smile:  You’ll arrive at the salon, ready to greet clients with a smile and make them feel welcome.  You’ll help prepare the salon for the day, making sure everything is clean, organized, and ready to go.

Get creative:  As clients arrive, you’ll have the chance to get creative.  You’ll work with stylists to assist with services like shampooing, blow-drying, and colouring, and you’ll have the opportunity to practice your skills on mannequins or models during quieter times.

Learn from the best:  You’ll learn from the best in the business by watching the stylists work.  This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, develop your skills and learn new techniques that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Make people feel amazing:  As an apprentice, you’ll play a key role in making people feel amazing.  You’ll help clients feel comfortable, offer them refreshments, keep the salon clean and provide excellent customer service that will leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Get ahead:  As an apprentice, you’ll also have coursework to complete.  This might involve reading, watching videos, or completing assignments.  This is a great way to get ahead.

End the day on a high note:  At the end of the day, you’ll help clean up the salon and prepare for the next day.  You’ll also make sure all of your coursework is up to date and complete.  End the day on a high note and feel proud of all that you’ve accomplished.

Overall, being a hairdressing apprentice is an exciting and rewarding job that offers plenty of opportunities to get creative, learn from the best, and make people feel amazing.  So if you’re looking for a career that’s fun, fast-paced, and full of excitement, hairdressing might just be the perfect fit for you!

Absolutely and you’re paid for it!  As a full-time apprentice, you’ll receive 28 days of paid holiday, allowing you to take well-deserved breaks whenever you want them.

After successfully completing your hairdressing apprenticeship, you’ll be rewarded with shiny nationally recognized qualifications.  It will be like holding a golden ticket to the land of exciting career opportunities.  You can show off your certificates with pride and let everyone know you’re a bonafide hairstylist!  Here’s what you’ll have…

Hair Professional Award (NVQ Level 2):  This qualification is your gateway to being a skilled hairstylist.  You’ll have essential skills in cutting, styling, colouring, and client consultation.

Advanced Creative Hair Professional Apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3):  You’ll know more advanced techniques, creative styling, and cutting-edge trends.  It’s like unlocking a whole new set of powers in your hairdressing.

As a hairdressing apprentice, you’ll learn many skills that can help you in all areas of your life.  For example, you’ll learn how to communicate with people effectively, which can help you make friends and build relationships.  You’ll also get to experiment with different styles and techniques, which can help you develop your creativity and problem-solving skills.

Another important skill you’ll learn is time management.  You’ll need to manage your time effectively to make sure you have enough time to complete your tasks and help your clients.  This skill can help you in work, and in your personal life.

Finally, you’ll learn how to provide excellent customer service.  This means you’ll learn how to make people feel special, which can help you in any job that involves working with people.

Overall, being a hairdressing apprentice can help you develop many important skills that can help you in all areas of your life.

Our ultimate goal is to set you up for success and help you secure a job here at The Philip Lee Group at the end of your apprenticeship.  While we do not guarantee a job at the end of your apprenticeship, we’ll be here to empower and support you in your job search.  We’ll help you craft a CV that highlights your skills and accomplishments.  We’ll also provide valuable tips and tricks to help you shine in interviews.  You’ll also have seriously strong references and a portfolio of work to showcase your skills to potential employers.  Talk about impressive!

First things first, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and have completed GCSE’s.  But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a straight-A student to become a hairdresser.  As long as you have a passion for hair and a willingness to learn, you’re on the right track!

Next up, you’ll need to apply for an apprenticeship.  This might involve submitting a CV, cover letter, and you may even need to interview with the salon owner or manager.  But don’t be nervous, this is your chance to show off your skills and enthusiasm for hair!

Then apart from wanting to learn and grow.  If you are positive, helpful, dedicated and dependable, then you will be a great fit for our apprenticeship program.

There is no maximum age limit so, no matter what your age, if you are passionate about hair, then there’s no reason why you can’t start your journey as a hairdressing apprentice.

The good news is that unlike traditional college, apprenticeships are paid positions!  That means you’ll be earning money while you learn the ins and outs of hairdressing.

There may be some initial costs associated with your apprenticeship, such as purchasing your own tools and equipment.  But don’t worry, you can find affordable options for scissors, combs, and hairdryers that will get the job done without emptying your bank account.

Your salon may even offer to cover the cost of your tools or provide them for you.

So, if you’re ready to turn your passion for hair into a career, don’t let the initial costs scare you off.  With a paid apprenticeship, you’ll be earning money while you learn, making it a very cost-effective way to pursue a career in hairdressing.  Get ready to make some money and some fabulous hair!

Make it happen!  Simply complete our contact form and get in touch.  Whether you have questions, want more information, or know that you are ready to jump into an exciting apprenticeship.  Don’t wait any longer – fill out the form and let’s get started.  Your hairdressing dreams are just a click away!