- 23 July 2026
The Smart Way to Start Your Hair or Beauty Career
Hey School Leavers,
If you're dreaming of becoming a hairdresser, barber or beauty therapist, you'll probably be asking yourself one big question:
Should I go to college or choose an apprenticeship?
Both can help you learn, but if your goal is to build a successful career in the hair and beauty industry, an apprenticeship with Kleek is the BEST route.
Why? Because you'll learn where the job actually happens – in a real salon, spa or barbershop, working alongside experienced professionals and gaining skills that employers are looking for from day one.
Learn by Doing
Hair and beauty is a practical industry. The best way to improve your skills is by using them every day.
As an apprentice, you'll spend most of your week working in a real salon environment. You'll watch experienced professionals at work, practise new techniques and gradually take on more responsibility as your confidence grows.
You'll also discover what it's really like to work in the industry, from looking after clients to being part of a busy salon team.
Get Paid to Build Your Future
One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is that you don't have to choose between learning and earning.
From your first day, you'll earn a wage, receive paid holidays and work towards an industry-recognised qualification. Instead of waiting until you've finished studying to begin your career, you're already building it.
Learn from People Who've Been There
At Kleek Apprenticeships, you'll be supported every step of the way.
You'll have a dedicated educator who'll guide you throughout your apprenticeship, helping you develop your practical skills and prepare for your End-Point Assessment (EPA).
Alongside that, you'll learn every day from experienced salon owners, managers and stylists who understand what it takes to succeed in the industry.
Gain More Than Just Technical Skills
Being great at hair or beauty isn't just about cutting, colouring or treatments.
It's also about making clients feel welcome, working well with your team, communicating confidently and delivering excellent customer service.
These workplace skills develop naturally during an apprenticeship because you're practising them every day.
Why Employers Value Apprentices
When you finish your apprenticeship, you'll gain more than a qualification.
You'll also have real industry experience, practical skills and the confidence that comes from working with clients in a professional salon.
That's one of the reasons many employers actively look for apprentice-trained professionals. In fact, the majority of our salon partners offer apprentices permanent jobs once they've qualified.
Many of those employers started their careers as apprentices too, and now they're helping the next generation do the same.
A Qualification That Opens Doors
A career in hair or beauty can take you in so many different directions.
Once qualified, you could:
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Work in a salon or barbershop.
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Become a colour specialist.
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Specialise in beauty treatments or make-up.
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Work in TV, film, fashion or events.
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Travel the world on a cruise ship.
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Represent a leading industry brand.
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Open your own salon or business one day.
- Become an Educator.
Your apprenticeship gives you the skills, confidence and experience to build the career that's right for you. You can also progress to an advanced-level apprenticeship and hone your skills even further.
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.