So, what's it all about?
The UK health and beauty sector is hugely profitable. (By health, in this context, we’re talking about making people feel relaxed and good about themselves.) Last year, the hairdressing industry turned over £3.8 billion and served over 340 million customers. And that’s not even taking into 
account the growing industry of spa services and beauty therapy.
There are many different paths within the health and beauty sector, depending on your interests. Hairdressing is one of the most popular areas, with many techniques to learn, from shampooing to straightening, and how to colour hair without damaging it. And there are plenty of people who’re prepared to pay for professional manicures and pedicures, as well as advice on make-up or skincare products. It’s not just the general public, either. Celebrities employ whole teams of beauty professionals to do their hair and make-up, and make them look their best. There are many glamorous opportunities in this field, from styling for photo shoots to doing make-up on a film set.
A big part of making people look good is making them feel good inside. The UK’s spa industry is growing, along with the demand for spa therapists. They specialise in moisturising, exfoliating and generally pampering people’s skin, as well as other treatments like massage, mud-wrapping and aromatherapy. There are job opportunities across the country and abroad in resorts and hotels.
If you’re interested in pursuing further education, all of these Apprenticeships will stand you in good stead – there are foundation degrees in hairdressing, beauty therapy and spa management, and many universities are now developing sector-specific Honours degrees. Also, many people in the health and beauty industry go on to set up their own businesses, and an Apprenticeship is a great way to gain the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to do this.
What qualities do I need?
- have creative skills and a lot of flair
- have a lot of stamina
- be good with your hands
- have good people skills
- take care of your own appearance
- be a good listener and be sensitive to
- what people want
- keep up to date with fashions and styles
Major employers
Saks
www.saks.co.uk
Saks is the UK’s leading hair and beauty franchise group.
Toni and Guy
www.toniandguy.com
UK-based hairdressing chain with salons worldwide.
Mahogany Hairdressing
www.mahoganyhair.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.php
Has salons in London, Oxford and Manchester.
These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.
Beauty therapy
Contact www.habia.org
Barbering
Contact www.habia.org
Hairdressing
Contact www.habia.org
Nail services
Contact www.habia.org
Spa therapy
Contact www.habia.org
Click here for a list of employers offering Apprenticeships in this sector.
Sector Skills Council
Habia
The Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority – Habia – are the experts in health and beauty Apprenticeships. For more information, visit their website at www.habia.org.
Further readingbeautyfinder.co.uk
The UK’s ultimate beauty directory with salons, training information and advice.BL Hairdressing
www.blhairdressing.com
The largest hairdressing training organisation in the North East of England. The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology
www.babtac.com
Curator UK
www.curatoruk.com
Get inspired by creative hairstyles on this website.Federation of Holistic Therapists
www.fht.org.uk
Good Barbers Guide
www.goodbarbersguide.co.uk
A website dedicated to men’s grooming.
The Hairdressing Council
www.haircouncil.org.uk
Hairdressers Journal
www.hji.co.uk
A fun, interactive and useful website for hairdressers.
www.sweetsquared.co.uk
Nails, beauty and more.
www.ukhairdressers.com
Salons, styles, supplies, competitions and other resources on this website.