Apprenticeships enable you to train on the job whilst gaining the qualifications you need to succeed. They're available to anyone aged 16 or over. Apprenticeships can be used to gain NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or VRQs (Vocationally-Related Qualifications) whilst getting some hands-on experience in a professional setting. Usually, apprentices will work in a salon four days a week then spend one day a week at a college or training academy.

You’ll usually need some GCSEs for an intermediate apprenticeship and at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (or A* to C) if you want to do an advanced apprenticeship. The length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship can vary.

One of the main benefits of being an apprentice is that you’ll be earning money whilst you train. As an employee in a professional setting, you’ll be entitled to the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices, which currently stands at £7.55 per hour. If you’re aged 19 or over and have completed your first year, you’ll be paid the minimum wage rate.

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are the standard accreditation for hairdressers in the UK. In Scotland, they’re called SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications). A Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Hairdressing will help to kick-start your career as you’ll be able to work as a hairdressing assistant. But to be recognised as a competent hair stylist in your own right, you’ll need to achieve a Level 2 NVQ certificate so that you can be employed as a junior stylist. Senior stylists should have a Level 3 Certificate in Hairdressing. Hairdressing NVQs cover topics like: Shampooing and blow drying hair Cutting and styling hair Greeting customers and managing the salon reception Advising customers on hairstyles and colours that they’d suit Colouring hair Perming hair Plaiting, twisting and braiding hair Hair extensions Level 4 NVQ certificates are ideal if you want to gain specific hairdressing and barbering skills. You might want to provide colour correction services, for example, or services that help with hair and scalp conditions. This qualification is made up of smaller, work-based learnings - it’s suitable for those who are new to the industry as well as anyone working at a more senior level.

NVQs and SVQs involve theoretical and practical assessments that are designed to prove a person’s competency in the workplace. Within reason, they don’t need to be completed within a specific time frame and assessors will sign off units when a candidate is ready. NVQs can be undertaken by full-time employees or by students on a work placement, though it’s worth noting that NVQs are only available to those who are employed.

Foundation degrees are higher education qualifications that are designed with industry professionals. They can be studied full-time and are usually completed within a 2 year period. They can also be combined with work placements and completed over a 3-4 year span. Once you’ve completed a foundation degree, there is the option to keep studying and gain an Honours degree at university. This can take just 12-15 months, instead of the 3-4 years it’d usually take students to complete a bachelor’s degree. Honours degrees in hairdressing often focus on more specialised aspects of the industry, such as hair styling and makeup artistry for TV and film. Whatever route you take, a career in hairdressing comes with flexibility and the chance to continuously develop your skills.