A career in hair and beauty could be the right choice for you if you have creativity, flair, an eye for detail and a passion for excellent customer service.
Want to make customers look and feel amazing by advising, cutting and styling their hair or advising and implementing beauty techniques then the industry could be for you.
In addition to gaining valuable work experience both within and outside of our on-site training salons, you will learn a range of skills and techniques required in the industry.
You will also visit other local salons, attend masterclasses and take part in competitions to boost your skills, knowledge and creativity.
Programmes and qualifications available
There are two distinctly different job roles within this occupational profile: Hairdresser and Barber. 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. Barbers will be able to shampoo and condition hair, cut hair using barbering techniques, style and finish hair, cut facial hair into shape and provide shaving services for men.
Hairdressers and barbers must be able to work with all hair types ranging from straight hair to very curly, wiry hair. You also need to be able to carry out consultations with clients, demonstrate the professionalism, values, behaviours, communication skills and safe working practices associated with your role and be able to work without supervision to a high level of precision, with exceptional client care skills.
Advanced and Creative Hair Professionals are creative, passionate, and driven professionals who work without supervision, managing themselves and others when required. They provide a quality service, whilst working to the highest standards and continuously developing their personal and professional skills.
An Advanced and Creative Hair Professional works in the hair industry, which is one of the largest, most trusted and fashion forward professions. They take ownership of their work and client lists, accept responsibility, are proactive, flexible and adaptable, plan their work and time, they aim for excellence by taking exceptional pride in their work and industry. The work environment can be varied in size, style and ambiance, from a bespoke salon, the media industry, cruise ships, product houses and manufacturers to luxury high-end hair salon.
They are highly skilled and experienced individual professionals who deliver hair fashion forward trends, which are innovative styles inspired by current images and their own creativity, individual flair, imagination and interpretation.
Facilities and support
As a hair and beauty therapy apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the following facilities at Activate Learning colleges:
- Libraries and learning environments
- Ability to borrow books and laptops
- Digital resources and programmes
- A student card – allowing you to take advantage of student discounts
- Can apply for an Apprentice extra Totum Card
Advice and support services for apprentices includes:
- Advice and Admissions
- Learning Support
- Student Support
- Impartial careers advisors
- 1:1 support
- A college nurse
- Free counselling service
Career pathways
A hair and beauty therapy apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career in a variety of roles in the hair and beauty therapy industry. You may choose to progress with your employer, change jobs or study a higher-level apprenticeship.