WESTROW ACADEMY
EMPLOYERS: Train the next generation of hair professionals
Taking on an apprentice is one of the most effective ways to grow your team, develop talent from the ground up and invest in the long-term future of your salon.
FUNDING
AVAILABLE
INDUSTRY READY TRAINING
Gain the skills and confidence that employers are looking for.
EXPERT
EDUCATORS
Industry professionals who are as passionate about your success as you are.
REAL SALON
EXPERIENCE
Opportunities to train in our busy real salon with real clients.
AWARD WINNING
SALONS
Recognised for excellence across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
THE SMART CHOICE
Why Westrow Academy?
Westrow Academy combines professional hairdressing education with real salon experience, helping apprentices develop the technical skills, client care and professional behaviours needed to succeed in the industry. Whether you are recruiting your first apprentice or looking to build a structured training pathway within your business, our team can help you understand the process and feel confident at every stage.
Our training is designed to support both the apprentice and the employer. Learners develop practical hairdressing skills while continuing to gain valuable experience in your salon, allowing them to grow in confidence, understand your standards and become part of your team.
We support apprentices with structured training, practical development, theory knowledge, portfolio work and preparation for assessment. We also work closely with employers to help keep the apprenticeship on track, ensuring learners are progressing, engaging with their training and developing the skills needed within the salon environment.
By choosing Westrow Academy, employers benefit from a training provider with a strong hairdressing background, a professional academy setting and a genuine understanding of what salons need from the next generation of hair professionals.
Incentives upto £3000. for employing an apprentice
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Invest in New Talent with Government-Backed Funding
Apprenticeship training is supported by government funding, helping employers invest in new talent and develop skills within their salon.
Larger employers who pay the apprenticeship levy can use their levy funds to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. Smaller employers who do not pay the levy may also receive government support towards the cost of apprenticeship training, with funding rules depending on the apprentice’s age and eligibility.
From 1 August 2026, NSAR reports that SMEs will benefit from 100% government funding for eligible apprentices under 25.
Westrow Academy can help employers understand what funding may be available, what contribution may apply and how the apprenticeship funding process works before taking on an apprentice.
For more information, visit NSAR’s apprenticeship funding and levy guidance.
support available
Financial benefits when hiring an apprentice
As a non-levy paying employer, if you recruit an apprentice aged under 25, your business could benefit from:
£2,000 hiring payment when taking on a new employee, aged under 25, who starts an apprenticeship from 1 October 2026
£1,000 additional payment for apprentices aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24 if they are a care leaver or have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
£2,000 incentive for each foundation apprentice recruited
£3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for eligible young people aged 18 to 24 who have been claiming Universal Credit for six months or more
Fully funded apprenticeship training for apprentices aged under 25 from 1 August 2026
No employer National Insurance contributions on eligible earnings for apprentices under 25
£3,000 bursary available for eligible care leavers starting an apprenticeship
HOW IT WORKS
What Does it Cost?
The cost of taking on an apprentice depends on your business, the apprentice’s age and your funding eligibility.
In many cases, apprenticeship training and assessment costs are supported by government funding. If your business does not pay the apprenticeship levy, the government may fully fund training and assessment for eligible apprentices, including apprentices aged 21 or under.
For apprentices who are not fully funded, employers usually pay a small contribution towards the cost of training and assessment, with the government paying the remaining amount up to the funding band maximum.
Employers are responsible for paying the apprentice’s wage, in line with current National Minimum Wage rules. Apprentices must also be paid for the time they spend completing their training, including off-the-job training.
Our team can talk you through the funding process, explain what may apply to your salon and help you understand the likely costs before you commit to taking on an apprentice.
HOW IT WORKS
Finding an Apprentice
Finding the right apprentice is about more than filling a vacancy. It is about choosing someone with the right attitude, enthusiasm and potential to grow within your salon.
Westrow Academy can support employers through the apprentice recruitment process, helping you understand what to look for and how to create a strong opportunity for new talent.
We can advise on the apprenticeship route, the training involved and the expectations for both employer and apprentice.
Once an apprentice is in place, they will work in your salon while attending training with Westrow Academy. This allows them to develop practical skills in a real working environment while receiving structured support from experienced educators.
A successful apprenticeship works best when the salon, apprentice and academy work together. We encourage regular communication, clear expectations and ongoing support so that apprentices can build confidence, develop their skills and become valuable members of the salon team.
FAQ
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Who can employ an apprentice?
Most salons can employ an apprentice, provided they can offer a suitable job role, appropriate supervision and the opportunity for the apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their apprenticeship.
Does the apprentice work in my salon?
Yes. The apprentice is employed by your salon and gains hands-on experience as part of your team. Their salon-based work is supported by formal training through Westrow Academy.
How much do I need to pay an apprentice?
Employers must pay apprentices at least the current legal minimum wage for apprentices, or the appropriate minimum wage for their age and stage of apprenticeship. Some salons choose to pay more than the minimum rate to help attract and retain strong candidates.
Can I get government funding for their training?
This depends on your business and the apprentice’s circumstances. Some apprentices may be fully funded through government support, while others may require an employer contribution towards training and assessment. Westrow Academy can help explain the funding position before the apprenticeship begins.
How many hours does an apprentice need to work?
An apprentice must work enough paid hours to complete their training successfully. Apprenticeships are usually planned around a full-time working pattern, but apprentices working fewer than 30 hours per week may still be eligible, although their apprenticeship may take longer to complete.
What is off-the-job training?
Off-the-job training is learning that takes place during paid working hours but is separate from the apprentice’s normal day-to-day duties. It helps the apprentice develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for their occupation and may take place at the academy, in the salon or through other agreed training activity.
What support does Westrow Academy provide?
Westrow Academy supports apprentices with structured training, practical skills development, theory knowledge, portfolio evidence and assessment preparation. We also support employers by helping them understand the apprenticeship process, training requirements and learner progress.
Can an existing employee become an apprentice?
Yes. Apprenticeships can be suitable for new recruits or existing employees, provided the apprenticeship allows them to gain significant new knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to their role.
What happens at the end of the apprenticeship?
At the end of the apprenticeship, the learner will complete End-point Assessment to confirm they have developed the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. Once successfully completed, they can progress within the salon, move into a stylist role or continue their development with further training.
How do I get started?
The first step is to contact Westrow Academy. We can talk you through the apprenticeship options, funding, recruitment process and what your salon will need to put in place before taking on an apprentice.