
Hairdressing Professional
Apprenticeship
The level 2 hairdressing professional apprenticeship is the ideal training programme for students seeking to begin a promising career in hairdressing while acquiring experience, useful skills, and an industry-recognised credential while working at a hair salon.
Downloadable Content
The programme in brief
Level 2 Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship Standard
Duration - 24 months & 3 months End-Point-Assessment
Blended approach to delivery which could include webinars, face-to-face, Skype, telephone and online learning
Level 1 Functional Skills where appropriate
Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Hairdressing
Non-levy employer contribution (5%) - £550
Levy paying employer contribution - £11,000
About the course
Hairdressers will be able to shampoo and condition hair, cut hair using a range of techniques, style and finish hair to create variety of looks, and colour and lighten hair for ladies and men. Hairdressers and barbers 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.
Is this course right for you?
If you are passionate about hairdressing and want to learn the skills necessary to become a successful and gifted hairdresser, this apprenticeship is perfect for you.
It is a fantastic programme for people who are new to the field, are already employed at a junior level in a salon or barbershop, or who have some experience but want a formal qualification to attest to their professional abilities.
The best apprentices we have are good team players who are eager to learn and advance their careers. They typically have the vision, creativity, and customer-communication skills needed to both understand and interpret the hairstyles and grooming practises of their clients.
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The apprenticeship works really well for those who wish to learn and earn within a live salon environment, and apply new skills within a workplace, rather than college, environment.
What you will learn
As a hair professional there are core skills you will need to have to be able successfully work within this sector. You’ll complete a series of learning activities covering:
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Safe working practices
Your hairdressing apprenticeship will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to work safely and effectively in a salon environment. In your course, you will learn about industry standards and the importance of health and safety in the workplace, as well as how to minimise risks to yourself and others.
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Client care and consultation
As a salon junior, you will learn how to consult with clients to determine their individual needs, and how to provide them with the best possible service. You will also learn how to build positive relationships, and how to deal with any complaints in a professional and efficient manner.
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Shampooing and conditioning
You will learn how to shampoo and condition hair using a variety of techniques, products and equipment. You will also learn how to advise clients on the best products to use for their hair type.
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Hair cutting techniques
As a hairdressing apprentice, you will learn a range of hair cutting techniques that can be used to create different styles. You will be taught how to cut both men’s and women’s hair, using a variety of cutting tools and methods.
You will also learn how to use thinning scissors and razor blades, so that you can create different textures and styles.
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Hair colour
As part of your hairdressing apprenticeship, you will learn how to apply hair colours and treatments. You will be taught about the different types of hair colours and how to mix them to create the perfect shade.
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You will also learn how to apply hair colour safely, so that you avoid damaging the hair or causing skin irritation.
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Styling
As a junior stylist, you will learn how to style hair using a variety of techniques. You will be taught how to use straightening irons, curling tongs and other styling tools.
You will also learn how to create a range of different styles, including updos, blow drying and straightening.
How will I learn?
Our sector expert staff will support you to achieve the apprenticeship. We have highly skilled and knowledgeable staff with significant experience of working in the industry who will be able to share their experiences and support you.
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We deliver the programme throughout the year providing you with the flexibility to start the apprenticeship when it meets your needs. All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or small group webinars so you have the best experience possible with sector experts.
We have designed a flexible programme which is typically delivered on a 1-2-1 basis and includes:
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Assessment and induction
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Face-to-face sessions (or remote delivery)
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Regular 1-2-1 support (face to face and/or remote)
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Assignments
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Observations
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Ongoing mentoring, coaching and support (including information, advice and guidance)
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Specialist English and/or Maths support (if needed)
You will also record and track your learning progress through your e-portfolio, helping to support and evidence your journey.
There will be an external assessment at the end of the programme, once the apprentice has achieved the ‘gateway’ requirements. This includes achieving the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. End-point assessment methods, timescales and location
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The end-point assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods:
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Observation of leadership
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Professional discussion
The end-point assessment must be completed over a maximum period of three months after the apprentice has met the EPA gateway requirements.
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​Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care.
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Level 2 English and Maths (If not completed prior to starting the programme). For those with an education, health and care plan, or a legacy statement, the apprentice’s English and Maths requirement is Entry Level 3 at a minimum. For those whose primary language is British Sign Language (BSL), the qualification BSL is an alternative and viable qualification.
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Progression
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Having successfully completed this qualification, learners will have the opportunity to progress to the following:​​
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Senior Leader at Level 7
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View Full Job Description On Institute For Apprenticeships
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Once the apprenticeship has been achieved the candidate will have:
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A Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship
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A Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Hairdressing
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State Registration with the Hair Council
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Functional skills in Maths and English level 1 and work towards level 2
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Progression
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On completion, apprentices may choose to progress to an advanced hair apprenticeship:
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Advanced and Creative Hair Professional at Level 3
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View Full Job Description On Institute For Apprenticeships
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View Assessment Plan
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Achievements and progression

End Point Assessment
The apprenticeship is concluded with a final assessment at the end of the programme. The Hair Professional EPA consists of:
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A practical assessment
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Oral questioning
The practical assessment and oral questioning will assess the learner's professionalism, values, behaviours, communication, safe working practices and consultation skills.
Grading
You are able to achieve a Pass, Distinction, or Fail.