WESTROW ACADEMY
Your Hairdressing Career Starts Here
An apprenticeship is one of the best ways to begin a career in hairdressing. You will earn while you learn, gain real salon experience and develop the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to work professionally in the industry.
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.
YOUR FUTURE
Learn in the Academy. Grow in the Salon.
A hairdressing apprenticeship combines paid salon employment with structured training. This means you will work as part of a real salon team, learning from experienced professionals while also attending training sessions with Westrow Academy.
During your apprenticeship, you will develop the practical skills needed to carry out professional hairdressing services. This may include shampooing and conditioning, client consultation, styling, cutting, colouring, lightening and finishing, depending on the course you are completing.
You will also build the wider skills needed to succeed in a salon environment, including communication, client care, safe working practices, professionalism, teamwork and confidence.
Apprenticeships are designed to help you learn in a practical, supportive way. Instead of only studying in a classroom, you will be able to apply what you learn in a real working salon, helping you develop your skills and prepare for a long-term career in hairdressing.
HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
Helping You Begin with Confidence
Starting an apprenticeship is exciting, but it is normal to feel nervous too. At Westrow Academy, we support learners throughout the process, from understanding the right course to preparing for training and developing confidence in the salon.
Choosing the right apprenticeship is important. Hairdressing is a creative, practical and people-focused career, so it is ideal for learners who enjoy working with others, learning new techniques and developing a professional skill over time.
A strong apprentice does not need to know everything at the start. What matters most is enthusiasm, reliability, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Salons are looking for people who are keen to get involved, listen carefully, practise their skills and become part of the team.
Before applying for an apprenticeship, it can be helpful to prepare a simple CV, think about why you want to work in hairdressing and be ready to explain what interests you about the industry. Any experience with people, customer service, creativity or practical work can help show your potential.
Once you begin your apprenticeship, you will be supported by both your salon and Westrow Academy. You will be expected to attend training, complete learning activities, practise your practical skills and take responsibility for your own progress, but you will not be doing it alone.
YOUR SAFETY
Serious About Safeguarding
Westrow Academy is committed to supporting learner safety, wellbeing and welfare throughout the apprenticeship journey.
Safeguarding means helping to protect learners from harm, abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, exploitation or any situation that may put their wellbeing at risk. It also includes helping learners understand how to stay safe, make positive choices and access support when they need it.
If an apprentice is worried about something happening at work, at home, online or in their personal life, they should speak to a trusted member of the Westrow Academy team as soon as possible. Concerns may include feeling unsafe, being treated unfairly, struggling with mental health, experiencing bullying or being worried about another learner.
Learners are encouraged to speak up early, even if they are unsure whether something counts as a safeguarding concern. Asking for support is always the right thing to do.
OPPORTUNITIES
Find the Right Apprenticeship for You
Finding the right apprenticeship is an important first step in your hairdressing journey. At Westrow Academy, apprenticeship vacancies will be listed on our website, giving you the opportunity to see current roles with salons that are looking for new talent.
Each vacancy will include details about the salon, the role, the location and what the employer is looking for. This will help you understand whether the opportunity feels like the right fit before you apply.
When applying for an apprenticeship, it is important to show enthusiasm, reliability and a genuine interest in hairdressing. Employers are not expecting you to already have all the skills, but they will be looking for someone who is willing to learn, work hard and become part of the salon team.
Before applying, we recommend preparing a simple CV and thinking carefully about why you want to start a career in hairdressing. It can also help to research the salon, think about your strengths and be ready to explain why you would make a good apprentice.
If you cannot see a suitable vacancy straight away, keep checking back. New apprenticeship opportunities may be added as salons recruit throughout the year.
FAQ
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What is a hairdressing apprenticeship?
A hairdressing apprenticeship is a paid training programme that allows you to work in a salon while learning the skills needed to become a professional hairdresser. You will gain real salon experience and complete structured training with Westrow Academy.
Will I be paid as an apprentice?
Yes. Apprentices are employed and must be paid at least the legal minimum wage for apprentices or the appropriate minimum wage for their age and stage of apprenticeship.
Do I pay for my apprenticeship training?
No. Apprentices do not usually pay for their apprenticeship training. Training and assessment costs are funded through the apprenticeship system, with support from the government and, where applicable, the employer.
How old do I need to be to start an apprenticeship?
You can usually start an apprenticeship from age 16, provided you are no longer in full-time education and meet the eligibility requirements for the programme.
Do I need GCSEs to start a hairdressing apprenticeship?
You do not always need GCSEs to start a hairdressing apprenticeship. However, English and maths are important parts of apprenticeship training, and learners who have not already achieved the required level may need to work towards Functional Skills as part of their programme.
How long does a hairdressing apprenticeship take?
The length of an apprenticeship depends on the course, the learner’s progress and the training plan agreed at the start. A Level 2 Hairdressing Professional apprenticeship typically takes around 18 to 24 months.
Where will I train?
You will gain practical experience in your salon and attend training sessions with Westrow Academy. This gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in both a real working environment and a professional training setting.
What will I learn during my apprenticeship?
You will learn the practical and professional skills needed for a career in hairdressing. This may include consultation, shampooing and conditioning, styling, cutting, colouring, lightening, client care, health and safety, communication and salon professionalism.
Will I work with real clients?
Yes. As you develop your skills and confidence, you will gain experience in a salon environment and may work with real clients under appropriate supervision. This is an important part of becoming confident and salon-ready.
What is off-the-job training?
Off-the-job training is dedicated learning time that supports your apprenticeship. It takes place during paid working hours and may include academy training, practical workshops, theory work, online learning, assessments, shadowing or other activities that help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your role.
What is End-point Assessment?
End-point Assessment, often called EPA, is the final assessment at the end of an apprenticeship. It checks that you have developed the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for your chosen apprenticeship and are ready to work professionally in the industry.
Will I have a job at the end of my apprenticeship?
The aim of an apprenticeship is to help you progress into a skilled role within the industry. Many apprentices continue working with their salon after completing their training, while others use their qualification and experience to apply for new opportunities.
What can I progress to after Level 2 Hairdressing?
After completing Level 2, learners may progress into a stylist role or continue their training with a Level 3 Advanced and Creative Hairdressing qualification. Further progression may include specialist colour, cutting, barbering, education, assessing or salon management routes.
How do I get started?
The first step is to register with online with Westrow Academy. Our team can help you understand the apprenticeship options available, what to expect from training and how to begin your journey into the hairdressing industry.