01Hairdressing Level 2
Develop consultation, cutting, styling, colouring and client care in a working salon.
Explore route →Government supported apprenticeships · West Yorkshire
GET PAID TO LEARN.
BUILD A CAREER IN HAIR.
Combine a real job in a salon or barbershop with protected training time, practical Academy learning and a recognised apprenticeship standard.
Apprenticeship eligibility, employment and funding are checked before enrolment. You must be aged 16 or over, live in England and not be in full time education.
REAL WORKACADEMY TRAININGRECOGNISED STANDARD
PAID EMPLOYMENTPROTECTED TRAINING TIMEVTCT SKILLS ROUTELEEDS · PONTEFRACT · DEWSBURY
Choose your professional route
TRAIN FOR THE
INDUSTRY YOU WANT.
HeadHunters offers three government supported apprenticeship routes. Every start is matched to the learner, the employed role and the current funding rules.
01
02Barbering Level 2
Build commercial cutting, fading, facial hair, shaving and client service skills.
Explore route →
03Hairdressing Level 3
Progress your technical ability, client work and professional confidence through a suitable employed route.
Explore route →One programme, two commitments
LEARNER AMBITION.
EMPLOYER SUPPORT.
A successful apprenticeship needs a committed learner, a suitable paid role and an employer who can provide the experience required by the standard.
START OR PROGRESS YOUR CAREER
- Earn a wage and receive employee rights
- Build practical skill in a real salon or barbershop
- Get paid time for training during normal working hours
- Work towards the knowledge, skills and behaviours of your standard
- Prepare for independent end point assessment
GROW SKILL INSIDE YOUR BUSINESS
- Recruit a new apprentice or develop a suitable existing employee
- Agree a training plan with clear responsibilities
- Provide meaningful work and opportunities to practise
- Release the apprentice for paid training time
- Review progress with the Academy team
Government apprenticeship funding
THE LEARNER DOES NOT PAY FOR ELIGIBLE TRAINING.
Government and employer funding arrangements depend on the apprentice’s start date and age, the employer’s levy status, available funds and the funding band for the standard.
For starts from 1 August 2026, government funding can cover all eligible training and assessment costs up to the funding band maximum for many apprentices aged 16 to 24. Different employer contributions can apply in other circumstances or above the funding band.
Check current employer funding on GOV.UK ↗CHECK THE ROLE
The job must give the apprentice enough relevant work and support to develop competence.
CHECK ELIGIBILITY
Age, residency, prior learning, employment and programme rules are reviewed before a start is agreed.
CONFIRM THE FUNDING
The employer and Academy confirm the applicable funding route and any employer contribution in writing.
The HeadHunters apprenticeship journey
SUPPORTED IN WORK.
CHALLENGED AT THE ACADEMY.
Learning connects the services you perform at work with structured teaching, practical development, evidence and regular progress conversations.
- 01Initial assessmentConfirm your starting point, prior learning and support needs.
- 02Training planAgree the responsibilities of the learner, employer and Academy.
- 03Progress reviewsUse feedback and evidence to keep development focused.
- 04Gateway and assessmentMove forward only when the required knowledge, skills and behaviours are ready.
Questions before you apply
CLEAR ANSWERS.
NO FALSE PROMISES.
Every learner and employer situation is different. These answers explain the starting point before the Academy completes an individual check.
Do I need to work in a salon or barbershop?
Yes. An apprenticeship is a paid job with training. The employed role must provide the work and experience required by the chosen standard. Ask HeadHunters about current opportunities if you do not already have an employer.
Can I apply if I do not have English or maths GCSEs?
You may still be able to start. The Academy checks the qualifications and evidence you already hold, then explains any English and maths requirements or support that applies to your training plan.
Is the apprenticeship free for the learner?
The apprentice must not be asked to contribute to the eligible costs of a government funded apprenticeship. The employer’s funding arrangement is confirmed separately under the rules that apply to the start date.
Which qualification will I receive?
The apprenticeship standard, selected VTCT Skills qualification and end point assessment arrangements are confirmed before enrolment. The exact route depends on the occupation and your start date.
Your next step
READY TO BUILD A CAREER IN HAIR?
Tell the Academy whether you are looking for an apprenticeship or want to train an apprentice in your business.