NHBF Responds to Labour's Apprenticeship Reform Announcements

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) acknowledges the recent announcements around the Labour Party Conference regarding significant changes to apprenticeship funding and structure in England.

Key Points of the Announcement:

1. Rebalancing of apprenticeship spending towards younger people

2. Potential restrictions on employer levy investment for some Level 7 apprenticeships

3. Introduction of shorter duration apprenticeships in certain sectors

4. Development of new paid "foundation apprenticeships"

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation, commented:

"The proposed changes to the apprenticeship system present both opportunities and challenges for the hair, beauty, and aesthetics industries. While we welcome initiatives that aim to increase youth employment and skills development, we must ensure that these changes don't compromise the quality and breadth of training in our sector.

The potential restriction on funding for some Level 7 apprenticeships is of concern. In the rapidly evolving field of aesthetics, advanced qualifications are crucial for maintaining high standards and ensuring public safety, , given recent headlines of unregulated practices being carried out by unqualified and inexperienced people. The potential for a Level 7 apprenticeship in aesthetics, aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of the hair, beauty, and aesthetics sectors. Such an apprenticeship would cater to both medics and non-medics, allowing for clear progression from the proposed skin rejuvenation apprentice standard at level 5  currently under development. It potentially may offer a structured pathway for career progression, from entry-level positions right through to advanced practice in Aesthetics (non-surgical cosmetic) procedures. This not only elevates the standards of our sector but also ensures that we can meet the evolving demands of our clients with the highest level of skill and professionalism. We're committed to working hand-in-hand with the government and educational bodies to shape these apprenticeships, ensuring they deliver real value to both learners and employers."

The introduction of shorter duration apprenticeships could benefit our sector, allowing for more flexible and targeted training programs. However, we stress the importance of maintaining rigorous standards to ensure that these shorter programs still produce highly skilled professionals.

We are intrigued by the concept of paid 'foundation apprenticeships' and see potential for these to provide valuable entry points into our sector. However, we need to ensure that these are structured to meet the specific needs of the hair, beauty, and aesthetics sector.

As these proposals develop, the NHBF already working with and providing briefing for the government and is committed to working closely with Skills England, the Department for Education, and other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of our industries are fully represented. We will advocate for a system that not only encourages youth employment but also supports career progression and lifelong learning across all age groups in our sectors.

It's crucial that any reforms to the apprenticeship system recognise the importance of both entry-level training and advanced qualifications in maintaining the high standards and innovation that characterize the UK's hair, beauty, and aesthetics industries."

The important principles for the NHBF are:

-      The Industrial Strategy that will underpin the work of Skills England recognises in some form, the important contribution that the hair and beauty sector makes to the UK economy, high streets and community wellbeing.

-      That key hair and beauty training and qualifications are included as training to be accessed through the proposed Growth and Skills levy

-      That small and micro businesses in the hair and beauty sector are able to benefit from levy funding to incentivise them to take on apprentices.

The NHBF will continue to monitor developments and engage with policymakers to ensure that the interests of the hair and beauty sector is represented in the implementation of these new initiatives.