- 03 August 2026
If there aren’t many hair and beauty apprenticeship vacancies near you, how can you improve your chances of securing your dream apprenticeship?
Finding the right hairdressing apprenticeship can sometimes take a little longer than expected, especially if there aren't many opportunities close to where you live. The good news? There are lots of ways to improve your chances and find the perfect salon to start your career.
If you're determined to become a hairdresser, don't let location hold you back. Here are some practical steps you can take to help you start an apprenticeship, the best route into the industry.
Look beyond your immediate area
Your perfect apprenticeship might be just a little further away than you first expected.
Be open to searching in neighbouring towns. Many apprentices commute to their salon, and the extra journey, time and money can be well worth it for the right opportunity.
At Kleek Apprenticeships, we work with salons across England and have apprentices who live right next door to their salon and others who live over 30 miles away..
Contact Salons directly
Not every salon advertises apprenticeship vacancies.
If there's a salon you'd love to work in, don't be afraid to get in touch. Pop in with your CV, introduce yourself and let them know you're looking for an apprenticeship. A friendly conversation can make a lasting impression.
You could also ask whether they would consider offering you some work experience or a day of shadowing. This gives you valuable experience and helps the salon get to know you before they recruit.
Let people know you're looking
Many apprenticeship opportunities are filled through recommendations before they're ever advertised.
Tell family, friends and teachers that you're looking for an apprenticeship. Follow local salons on social media and join local Facebook community groups where opportunities are often shared.
The more people who know you're looking, the more likely you are to hear about new vacancies.
Make your application stand out
You don't need years of experience to impress an employer.
A well-presented CV, a positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm can make all the difference. Include any customer service experience, part-time jobs, volunteering or school projects that demonstrate your reliability, creativity or willingness to learn.
Remember to tailor your application for each salon rather than sending the same CV and covering letter to everyone. Showing that you have researched a Salon goes a long way. Also check out some of the hairdressing publications online such as Hairdresser’s Journal, Creative Head or Salon Magazine to see what’s happening in the industry at the current time.
Keep looking and stay positive
Apprenticeship vacancies are available throughout the year, so don't stop searching if you don't find one straight away.
Check apprenticeship websites regularly, follow salons online and if you haven’t already, register with Kleek Apprenticeships. We help match applicants to Salons when new opportunities become available.
Most importantly, don't give up or lose confidence.
Every successful hairdresser started somewhere, and finding the right apprenticeship is often about persistence as much as talent.
Keep an open mind
As a school leaver, if you don’t secure an apprenticeship, you can also start on an alternative route, whilst you continue your search.
You can start a College course – but keep applying – and then switch to the apprenticeship once you’ve secured one. It might mean starting a little later than you’d originally planned but you’ll be back on the right track and ready to develop your hair or beauty career in the best way.
Staying positive and keeping your end goal in mind always helps.
Let Kleek help you find your apprenticeship
At Kleek Apprenticeships, we're passionate about helping future hairdressers (barbers and beauty therapists) begin their careers.
We work with hundreds of applicants and salons across England. We can support you throughout the application process. We are here to help you find the right apprenticeship, whether you are just starting your search or have already applied to several opportunities.
Your future career is waiting…
The Best Route into the Industry
At Kleek Apprenticeships, we know an apprenticeship is the smartest way to start a career in hair or beauty because you're learning, earning and gaining real experience all at the same time.
Instead of waiting until you've qualified to discover what salon life is really like, you'll be living it from day one.
So if you're ready to turn your passion into a career, an apprenticeship is the best route and your first step towards an exciting future.
Find an Apprenticeship job now or register your interest with us today.