In the hair and beauty sectors, particularly in hair salons and barbershops, on-the-job learning has proven to be one of the most effective ways for new stylists and barbers to hone their craft. Unlike traditional colleges of further education, which focus more on theoretical training, apprenticeships provide hands-on, practical experience that is invaluable for those entering the field. This approach not only sharpens essential skills but also connects apprentices directly to the job market, setting them up for long-term career success.
Real-World Training in Real-Time
Working in a live environment is invaluable for aspiring stylists and barbers. In a college, students are often working in simulated salon settings, which may lack the dynamic pace and variety that real salons and barbershops offer. Through an apprenticeship, trainees are exposed to a genuine work environment. They deal with diverse hair types, interact with clients, and learn to handle the day-to-day operations of a salon or barbershop. This real-world experience fosters both confidence and competence, helping them hit the ground running once they’re ready to work independently.
Andrew Collinge, Collinge & Co, Liverpool Says: “Our company was founded 80 years ago and its very foundation was built on training and nurturing the next generation, and that is very much still the case today. Since those early days thousands of young people have completed an apprenticeship with us and gone on to be talented and successful hairdressers. A work-based apprenticeship is proven time and time again to be the best route to succeed in our industry.”
Learning from Experienced Mentors
An apprenticeship places budding a stylist directly under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, a setup that is harder to replicate in a college environment. These mentors can pass down valuable tips and tricks that only come from years of experience, giving apprentices insights into the nuanced skills that are essential in the industry. Apprentices also learn the soft skills of managing client relationships, handling feedback, and building loyalty—key components of success in any hair and beauty career.
Andrew continues: “The benefits of being mentored whilst learning in the workplace are huge. Experienced hairdressers can become role models for up and coming apprentices. Whether that be wanting to emulate them as the being the most successful stylist in the salon, running a salon or being inspired by someone's success through creative opportunities. This year sees the 40th Anniversary of the British Hairdressing Awards. The first winner of British Hairdresser of the Year was the late great Trevor Sorbie. Trevor and the other hairdressers who have since won this prestigious award were all salon trained apprentices and will themselves have been mentored and influenced within a salon environment.”
Earning While Learning
A significant advantage of apprenticeships is that they allow individuals to earn while they learn. For many young professionals, the cost of attending college can be prohibitive, especially when the path doesn’t guarantee immediate employment. Apprenticeships, however, offer a dual benefit: they allow apprentices to earn a wage while gaining a qualification and building their reputation, making them financially more accessible and sustainable than a traditional college route.
High Employment Rates and Career Opportunities
One of the strongest arguments in favour of apprenticeships is their link to successful job opportunities. Studies and reports consistently show that apprenticeship programs have higher employment rates compared to traditional further education routes. Salons and barbershops often prefer to hire apprentices after they’ve completed their program, as they are already familiar with the business and require minimal additional training. By the end of their apprenticeships, many stylists and barbers are offered full-time positions at their training establishments or leverage their experience to start their own businesses.
Andrew says: “In the hairdressing sector it's far more likely employment opportunities will follow on completion of an apprenticeship in a salon. Hairdressing salons are looking for hairdressers that are salon ready. Apprentices have both a more rounded experience and greater depth of skills and knowledge, than a graduate from a college. Apprentices are required to sit an independently examined End-Point Assessment which proves they are ready to enter the work place as an independent worker.”
Industry Connections and Reputation Building
Hair salons and barbershops often have established networks in the industry. Apprenticeships offer a gateway into this network, connecting new stylists and barbers with other professionals, suppliers, and clients. These connections can be a huge asset when seeking further opportunities, be it in employment or business. College graduates, by contrast, often need to build these connections from scratch, putting them at a relative disadvantage.
Why Apprenticeships Win in Hair and Barbering
When it comes to building a successful career in hairdressing and barbering, an apprenticeship often provides a more practical and valuable path compared to traditional college education. By combining real-world experience, mentorship, financial stability, and industry connections, apprenticeships enable aspiring stylists and barbers to build their skills and step confidently into full-time employment. For those passionate about the industry, learning directly from the heart of it is the ideal route to success.