- 18 March 2026
- Apprentices & Success Stories & Employer Information &
As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026, Kleek Apprenticeships is proud to highlight how inclusive, flexible apprenticeships open doors for neurodiverse young people in the hair and beauty industry.
One inspiring example is Two Hoots Wellbeing Services in Darlington, owned by Emma Kane, where Beauty Therapy apprentices like Chloe have flourished with the right support and training.
A Work-Based Learning Path That Works
Traditional education can be challenging for neurodiverse learners due to social anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and rigid learning structures. Chloe, who is neurodiverse, fell in love with Beauty Therapy, and began her apprenticeship journey with Kleek.
“We started with Kleek in 2025, and the support we’ve been getting from her Kleek Educator, Danielle, has been remarkable,” says Emma.
“Chloe was shy, lacked social skills, and had little confidence. She’s now chatty, confident, and a dream to work with. She’s truly flourished since starting her apprenticeship.”
By learning at her own pace through work-based learning, Chloe developed both technical skills and confidence, proving that apprenticeships work.
Building Confidence Through Apprenticeships
Chloe now confidently:
- Communicates with clients
- Answers the phone independently
- Manages her own client base
- Builds professional relationships
“My confidence has completely changed,” Chloe says.
“I never used to speak to people or go out in public, and now I can do it independently. I love the calm environment and working with clients. I’m also so proud of winning Beauty Apprentice of the Year.”
Emma adds:
“I would 100% recommend the apprenticeship route. Chloe struggled at school, but with Kleek’s support and on-the-job learning, she’s thrived. Seeing the difference in her makes me so proud.”
Since then, Emma has welcomed another neurodiverse apprentice, Maisie, who is also progressing well within the salon.
Emma is passionate about providing a supportive environment for her SEN apprentices, offering dedicated training days, personalised guidance, and a safe, understanding workspace. She has also partnered with external specialists to ensure the right resources are in place, giving her apprentices the tools they need to succeed.
Combined with Kleek’s structured training programme, this approach helps learners build confidence, develop their skills, and progress at a pace that works for them.
Celebrating Success
Chloe reflects on her progress:
“My confidence has completely changed. I never used to speak to people or go out in public, and now I can confidently do those things freely.”
She is also proud to have been named a finalist for Apprentice of the Year in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2025, a recognition of her hard work and dedication.
Opening Doors for Neurodiverse Apprentices
During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Kleek celebrates learners like Chloe and employers like Emma who champion inclusive apprenticeship training. Their success demonstrates that, with the right support, neurodiverse apprentices can thrive in the hair and beauty industry, building essential skills, confidence, and sustainable careers.
Kleek Apprenticeships also offers in-salon training alongside academy-based learning, giving salons flexibility in how apprentices are trained. For learners who may feel uncomfortable in a traditional college environment, in-salon apprenticeship training can provide a more familiar, practical, and supportive alternative while still delivering high-quality qualifications.
If you’re a salon owner looking to recruit an apprentice, please get in touch via our salon enquiry form.
Or, if you’re a school leaver considering a career in hair and beauty and feel that a full-time college setting isn’t the right environment for you, we’d love to hear from you!