The HOB Salons Hairdressing Apprenticeship is open to everyone aged 16 and over who wishes to begin their journey into a rewarding and fulfilling career in hairdressing.
What Does An Apprenticeship Involve?
The apprentice programme involves working in a HOB salon 4 days per week, including at least 1 evening per week learning hairdressing on live models. In addition, you spend 1 day per week at the HOB Apprentice Academy in Camden, covering both theory and practical course components. There is also additional support provided by a HOB Assessor who will visit your salon every 8-10 weeks to assess your progress.
What Qualification Will I Receive At The End?
A Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals.
How Long Does It Take To Qualify?
The whole apprenticeship will take up to 2 years. This is usually made up of 18-21 months learning on the course programme, and then 3 months preparing for your “External End Point Assessment”, which is a test that takes place at the end.
What Experience Or Qualifications Do I Need?
No hairdressing experience is necessary, as the apprenticeship starts at the beginning, teaching the basic skills of hairdressing or barbering. To be accepted straight onto the programme, you need a GCSE in both English and Maths, either grade D / 3 and above, some work experience and some confidence; if you don’t have these, see the below question regarding a Traineeship.
What If I Don’t Have The Required Qualifications or Experience?
At HOB, we also offer a shorter ‘stepping stone’ option which is called a Traineeship, which will prepare you for work and for an apprenticeship. This is aimed at applicants who are still committed to working in hairdressing, but they don’t have any work experience or they don’t have the required GCSE grades to enrol onto the apprenticeship programme. A Traineeship is very similar in format to the apprenticeship, involving 4 days in the salon and 1 day at the Academy, but instead of getting paid an apprenticeship wage you will just receive travel expenses and a lunch allowance. If necessary, you will also receive English and Maths tuition to help you achieve the required grades. Typically, a Traineeship lasts 8 weeks. Our aim is for every Trainee to progress onto an apprenticeship, but this will depend on your commitment and attitude to your work and learning.
Which HOB Salon Will I Be Working In?
We have 17 salons around London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and we will decide together with you which is the most suitable for you, based on where you live, your travel options and where we have vacancies.
How Much Will I Earn?
You will be paid the National Apprenticeship Wage, which is set by the government. You will be paid for the hours you spend training as well as the hours spent working in the salon.
What Are My Career Prospects Afterwards?
Once you have gained your Level 2 Diploma qualification, you are technically qualified to work as a hairdresser in any salon. At HOB, we offer the best and most skilled apprentices the chance to continue their journey with us on the 3 month HOB Graduate Programme, which then prepares you to be a stylist or a colour technician in a HOB Salon. For us, this is not just a job, this is a career; we have many very successful Stylists, Colourists, Salon Managers and Educators, some of whom fly all over the world for HOB work engagements, who started their career as a 16 year old HOB Apprentice.
What Is The Application Process for an Apprenticeship?
The first step is to email
lisa.f@hobsalons.com with your details and to let us know you would like to apply. We’ll then arrange an interview for you, and a trial day in the salon. If these go well you’ll be invited to the Academy to have a Maths & English assessment and discuss the best route for you.
If you still have questions, feel free to
call Lisa on 07761 840 492 for more information, or email her on the email address above.
We look forward to hearing from you!