Hairdressing Professional (L2) Apprenticeship Standard

The Hairdressing Professional Standard Level 2 has been developed based on learner and employer needs and has been designed by employers for learners wishing to gain an apprenticeship within the Hair Professional arena. This apprenticeship takes place in customer-facing salon environments, ranging from small independent salons to large high-street businesses. Apprentices learn to deliver professional hairdressing services through effective consultation, excellent client care, and safe working practices, while meeting industry and legal standards.

Hairdressing professionals are creative, motivated individuals who take pride in their work, build strong client relationships, and continuously develop their skills. The role involves working with clients and salon teams, promoting services and products, and delivering a high standard of professionalism across all aspects of salon work with attention to detail.

Apprentices work towards achieving a Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals and will gain Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in the following topics:

• Providing a positive impression of yourself, organisation and hairdressing industry
• Adhere to health and safety, infection control, legal, industry and organisational requirements, industry protocols and manufacturer instructions.
• Advise, consult, examine and analyse the hair, skin and scalp.
• Shampoo, condition and treat hair and scalp
• Perming
• Cut hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks
• Style, set, dress and finish hair using a variety of techniques to create a variety of looks.
• Change the hair classification type by one classification using chemical services. Perform a range of chemical services to change the colour depth and tone.

Apprentices will learn about the importance of behaviours and attitudes expected of hairdressers towards clients and colleagues and be able to demonstrate them. Apprentices will need to attend college weekly.

After completing the Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship, learners can progress into a range of career pathways within the industry. This may include roles such as Stylist or Colourist, progression into senior or management positions, or further study through the part-time Adult Level 3 Hairdressing course.

This Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard is for people who wish to start a career in Hairdressing.

To enrol onto an Apprenticeship, you must be employed over 30 hours per week in a suitable establishment, please contact us should you need help in finding suitable employment.

Apprentices are paid a wage by the employer.  Your employer is required to give you a contract of employment, which will include holiday entitlement and all other benefits. Your job role should provide you with the opportunities to develop the Standard’s skills, knowledge, and behaviours.  

Entry onto the L2 Apprenticeship Framework or standard requires 2 x D Grades/2 x Grade 3 or above in Maths and English.

All applicants will be interviewed and complete an initial assessment for maths and English, and the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a professional Hairdressing Stylist. The offer of a place on the course is subject to the outcomes of initial assessment, which will be taken at the College as part of the admissions process.

End point assessment

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs.
There are three stages of assessment:

1. On-programme stage – Formal observations and online knowledge exams
2. Gateway stage - successful completion of the Diploma alongside the Standards knowledge, skills and behaviours, GCSEs and off the job training hours
3. End-point assessment (graded). On demand test, Practical observation, and Professional discussion completed by an external examiner.
This qualification is delivered in college and your workplace. This will develop the skills set, knowledge-based elements of the Apprenticeship, Values and Behaviours to meet the required amount of off the job training hours, alongside employer training.
GCSEs are delivered and assessed in a variety of ways at college, with flexibility, relating to your employer and the service industry sector.

To study an apprenticeship, you must secure or already be in a suitable an apprenticeship job role with an employer.

Need to find an Apprenticeship Job?
You can do this through undertaking a job search and applying and interviewing for available roles. In order for us to help you secure your Apprenticeship, let us know you are actively looking for an Apprenticeship by clicking the Register Interest at the top of the page

Students who currently attend a Cambridge Area Partnership schools should register their interest through the CAP application system, MyChoice@16.

Securing an Apprenticeship position can be challenging, therefore we advise all aspiring Apprentices, who are leaving school, to apply for a full-time course in the same subject. Having a Plan B ensures you can continue with your education in September and build the practical knowledge and confidence you need to progress onto an Apprenticeship when one becomes available.

To find out more about how the Apprenticeship application process works, please visit www.camre.ac.uk/apprenticeships/how-to-secure-an-apprenticeship/
Already have a job and an employer?
Register your interest in the programme by clicking the link above and we will work with you and your employer to start the apprenticeship enrolment process