Course Overview
The Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship provides a practical and industry-focused entry route into the hairdressing profession. Designed for individuals at the early stage of their career, the programme develops the core knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work effectively within a commercial salon environment. Apprentices gain hands-on experience while employed, building confidence and professional standards through real client interaction and supervised practice.
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners develop fundamental technical skills including client consultation, shampooing and conditioning, cutting, styling and finishing, and supporting colour and chemical services. Strong emphasis is placed on client care, communication, health and safety, and professional conduct to ensure apprentices meet industry expectations. Off-the-job training complements workplace learning, supporting apprentices to understand hair science, products, tools, and the importance of equality, sustainability and customer satisfaction within the salon setting.
Successful completion prepares apprentices for progression within the hairdressing industry, including advanced apprenticeships or junior stylist roles. The programme concludes with an independent End-Point Assessment, confirming the apprentice’s competence, professionalism and readiness to work as a Hair Professional. This apprenticeship offers a well-rounded foundation for a sustainable and rewarding career in hairdressing.
Topics may include:
- Client consultation, communication and professional salon etiquette
- Shampooing, conditioning, cutting, styling and finishing techniques
- Assisting with and understanding colouring and chemical services
- Health, safety and hygiene practices within a salon environment
- Hair science, products, tools and equipment knowledge
- Equality, diversity, sustainability and delivering excellent customer service.
Please note: you will be expected to provide your own hairdressing kit, tools and equipment, salon uniform or professional dress, and suitable footwear. Additional charges may incur for optional enrichment activities, competitions, or replacement/resit costs if assessments need to be retaken.
This course is free if you meet the eligibility criteria, for full details click here: https://www.ucscollegegroup.ac.uk/policies-and-reporting/adult-course-fees/
Assessment Methods
Assessment within the Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship combines ongoing and final evaluations to confirm competence. Throughout the programme, apprentices are assessed through workplace observations, practical assessments, professional discussions, and the completion of a portfolio of evidence demonstrating skills, knowledge and behaviours. Knowledge checks may also be used to support understanding of key topics.
The programme concludes with an independent End-Point Assessment (EPA), which typically includes a practical observation in a salon environment and a professional discussion supported by the portfolio.
Progression Options
On completion of the Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship, learners can progress in several directions depending on their career goals. A common route is progression to the Level 3 Advanced Hair Professional Apprenticeship, developing more advanced cutting, colouring, styling and supervising skills. Learners may also move into junior stylist or stylist roles within a salon, gaining further experience and responsibility.
Additional progression routes include specialising through short professional qualifications or courses such as Level 2 or Level 3 Barbering, Colour Technician training, Hair Extension or Textured Hair services, or Bridal and Occasion Hair. With experience, learners may also progress into team leader, salon supervisor or assistant manager roles.
Entry Requirements
Ideally you will have achieved Maths and English GCSEs in the 9 to 3 range, including English, or an appropriate Level 1 qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
