Apprenticeships Are The Answer!

KLEEK APPRENTICESHIPS’ HEAD OF MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT, SOPHIA ROBERTSON, EXPLORES WHY APPRENTICESHIPS ARE THE ANSWER WITHIN AN INDUSTRY DEALING WITH A GROWING LIST OF RECRUITMENT AND BUSINESS ISSUES.

THE CURRENT APPRENTICESHIP AGENDA

Much has been written in recent years in the hair and beauty press about the lack of experienced staff in the sector and the shortfall of trainees in salons and spas nationwide. Whilst the industry has been slowly recovering from the effects of the pandemic, it is now facing further business concerns and constraints due to the cost of living, wage increases, VAT, and recent government budget announcements. The industry is facing an abundance of challenges, but what is clear is that the hair and beauty profession, one of the oldest trades in existence, really matters. Statistics highlight the importance and value of hair and beauty services to a community in terms of both mental health and general well-being, as well as their significant contribution to the economy.

Despite the value the industry brings to a community, the reduction in qualified hair and beauty staff is a real concern. It is widely known that there has been a fall in apprenticeships since 2020 as young people have been encouraged to stay in full-time education, government funding has been reduced, and more qualified people favour self-employment over working in an established salon or spa business. This is in addition to the continued economic challenges being faced across the globe, not just here in the UK.

WHAT MAKES APPRENTICESHIPS THE ANSWER?

Yet, an apprenticeship in hairdressing, barbering, or beauty therapy remains the best route into a career in hair and beauty. Apprenticeships offer the only true job-ready route into the industry, providing all the vital skills, experience, and knowledge that are essential for a successful hairdresser, barber, or beauty therapist. Apprenticeships also better develop the softer skills such as teamwork, customer service, and communication.

WHY ARE APPRENTICESHIPS IMPORTANT?

Continued education and a college route might be the alternative, but often it does not effectively deliver the practical skills, customer experience, or the on-the-floor knowledge that is provided by an apprenticeship. Real working environment experience is invaluable, and an apprentice has a vital role in a salon that justifies their apprentice wage.

Apprentice-trained staff are far more attractive to salon and spa owners and thus more employable. Employers understand that their training has delivered more than theory and technical skills by building confidence in their personal development, professional skills, and their client-facing abilities.

Developing the next generation of hairdressers, barbers, and beauty therapists is also highly rewarding, offering existing staff the chance to mentor and train up team members that fit your specific needs and echo your values and personality. It further enables a business to upskill, whether it’s in a certain type of service, such as a particular beauty therapy discipline, or you have a new recruit who excels at rainbow colours or is a whizz at curly blow-dries or special occasion hair-ups. Bringing a young person into your business brings other benefits, as well as an extra pair of hands; the right recruit will have a fresh outlook, be social media savvy to help promote your business, and be up to date on current trends.

Many salons and spas recognise the value of apprenticeships and their importance in the development and resilience of the sector—every year, new school leavers are looking to start a career in hair and beauty—so there are always opportunities to embrace the power of apprenticeships in your business and to maximise your valued expertise. Your involvement is fundamental to the future of the sector.

Yes, the sector has much to deal with in 2025, but this industry, dating back to Ancient Egyptian times, is a fighter, and with the tenacity and strength of all those in the industry and with an apprenticeship provider like Kleek, ready to support you every step of the way, we are all here to stay and realign our industry once again.

A career in hair and beauty provides ‘skills for life’ and a range of opportunities, whether within a salon setting or another related setting (such as in the arts and media, retail, or commercial companies).

The benefits of the new generation of hair and beauty professionals must not be ignored. So despite the constraints, let’s work through them together and embrace the power of apprenticeships for the good of our industry.

Article first published in The Salon Magazine February 2025 issue.