There are huge benefits to hiring an apprentice ahead of National Apprentice Month. Looking to nurture the next generation of therapists and professionals? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering taking on an apprentice.
Supporting the upcoming generation of beauty therapists – as per BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology), there are significant advantages to bringing on board an apprentice, particularly leading up to National Apprentice Month. Interested in nurturing the next wave of therapists and professionals? Here’s a breakdown if you’re contemplating hiring an apprentice.
When executed effectively, apprenticeships can yield nothing but positive outcomes for a beauty business. Beyond just increasing treatment hours, research indicates that 64% of apprentices are inclined to stay with the same employer post-apprenticeship, while a remarkable 80% remain employed in the industry. Furthermore, it serves as an organic means to expand both your business and the individuals within it.
Mutually Beneficial Arrangement There are also financial perks; in England, apprenticeships receive a minimum of 95% funding, and businesses can utilise employer levy funds or reserve funds for non-levy paying employers. With recent measures, large employers can transfer up to 50% of their funds to support other businesses, including smaller firms, in hiring apprentices. This facilitates SMEs in hiring more apprentices, reducing costs, and enabling more employers to acquire the skilled workers they require, thereby unlocking numerous opportunities for young people across various sectors and professions.
As for employees, it’s not always straightforward to enter a job directly. With apprenticeships open to applicants aged 16 and above, it offers clear direction and motivation for those aspiring to pursue careers in the beauty, holistic, and wellbeing industries. All apprenticeship vacancies in England are visible and posted on the National Apprenticeship Service under “Find an Apprenticeship.”
The Positive Influence of On-the-Job Learning Diane Hey, founder of the government-approved Armonia Training Academy and BABTAC Board Member, has been a staunch advocate for employment-ready training in the spa industry. She has contributed to several UK Government initiatives aimed at upholding standards for both trainees and employers. “I’ve always aimed to impart to our apprentices the insights I gained on the job after my training, and what better way to learn than through employment,” explains Diane. “Our goal is to enable employers to cultivate thoughtful, empowered, highly skilled therapists and industry professionals, which is crucial for our industry, and this can indeed be achieved successfully through apprenticeships.”
Offering structured learning and relevant business skills within a real working environment where new knowledge and behaviours can be applied, the apprenticeship route offers a comprehensive pathway for both apprentices and employers. It also serves as an excellent organic method for business growth and personal development.
Practical experience is invaluable, as is learning from peers and understanding the inner workings of a business from the ground up. “We’ve observed that apprentices learn rapidly and can immediately apply their learning while earning a wage,” notes Diane. “Moreover, being able to demonstrate their abilities and track their progress while learning and earning leads to personal growth and greater workplace satisfaction.”
- The Model in England
- Apprentices can work up to 40 paid hours per week but ideally no less than 30 hours, with a minimum requirement of 16 hours per week.
- At English level 2, such as for a beauty therapist, makeup consultant, or nail services technician, the apprenticeship typically lasts a minimum of 12 months, extending to 15 months for a beauty therapist. All English apprenticeships must endure a minimum of 12 months before entering the gateway and End Point Assessment. Off-the-job training (OTJ) must constitute 20% of employment, with all evidence confirmed by the employer. Progression routes to English level 3 continue with the Holistic and Wellbeing Therapist apprenticeship standard or Advanced Beauty Therapy Standard. Apprenticeship standards can be located.
- The end-point assessment is accessible upon successful completion of on-programme learning and entering the gateway. It is graded Fail/Pass/Distinction for English level 2 and Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction for Holistic and Wellbeing Therapists and Advanced Beauty Therapists, English level 3.
- Upon successful recruitment, you as the employer would employ the apprentice, paying their wage while the government funds their learning. This allows the Training Academy to deliver and support them through their beauty professional apprenticeship standard.
- The employer must offer apprentices the same employment conditions as other employees in similar roles or grades.
- Devolved Nations operate with varying models.
For more information on BABTAC, please contact [email protected]
For further guidance, and information, or to commence building your talent pipeline, contact [email protected].
