This information about apprenticeships applies to Wales. 

Apprenticeship frameworks are available in Wales.

Funding available - Apprenticeship Recruitment support for a disabled person

The apprenticeship incentives for employing a disabled person will run to 31 March 2023 (subject to budget availability).  The incentive will help businesses to recruit a disabled person and support the development of a diverse workforce.

Click for more information.
There are three types of apprenticeship available in Wales:
  • Foundation apprenticeship (level 2)
  • Apprenticeship (level 3)
  • Higher apprenticeship (level 4)

Welsh language and bilingual apprenticeships are available. Apprentices must be 16 or older. 

Foundation apprenticeships (level 2)

Foundation apprenticeships are a great way to begin a career in hair and beauty. They include a hair or beauty qualification at NVQ level 2 (equivalent to five GCSEs). 

The following level 2 hair and beauty foundation apprenticeships are available in Wales: 

  • Hairdressing
  • Barbering
  • Nail services (non-statutory*)
  • Beauty therapy
Apprenticeships (level 3) 
 

At this level, apprentices gain valuable on-the-job experience to become competent within hair or beauty while also studying towards a nationally recognised qualification at NVQ level 3 (equivalent to five 5 GCSEs and two A levels). 

The following level 3 hair and beauty apprenticeships are available in Wales: 

  • Hairdressing
  • Barbering
  • Nail services (non-statutory*)
  • Beauty therapy
  • Spa therapy (non- statutory*)

*Colleges and training providers are not legally obliged to offer ‘non-statutory’ qualifications. 

Training salon staff

Higher apprenticeships (level 4)

Higher apprenticeships lead to a qualification that is equivalent to a foundation or honours degree. The following level 4 hair and beauty apprenticeships are available in Wales: 

  • Hairdressing 
  • Advanced beauty practices

More information

The National Training Federation Wales (NTFW) works alongside the Welsh government to represent the interests of training providers and learners. 

Careers Wales provides information on career pathways in Wales. 

Apprenticeship funding in Wales

Go to Business Wales Skills Gateway  to request more information about apprenticeships in Wales and to ask for help with all aspects of employing an apprentice including funding. 

You must pay your apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices. Find out more about the NMW and apprentice rates. (Funding cannot be used to pay wages.)

Apprenticeship levy

Employers with a pay bill of £3 million or over must pay 0.5% of their pay bill into a pot to help pay for apprenticeship training. This levy applies across the whole of the UK but how the funds can be used varies between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Large employers will have a £15,000 allowance to offset against their levy payment. 

Find out more about apprenticeships in the UK  

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