This information about apprenticeships applies to Scotland. NHBF Members can download free apprenticeship agreements for use in Scotland.

Modern apprenticeships in hairdressing and barbering are offered at levels 5 and 6 (NQF levels 2 and 3) in Scotland. Apprentices must be 16 or older.

There is no beauty apprenticeship, although a range of beauty qualifications are available.

The following apprenticeships are available:

  • Hairdressing at SCQF level 5 (NQF level 2)
  • Barbering at SCQF level 5 (NQF level 2)
  • Hairdressing at SCQF level 6 (NQF level 3)
  • Barbering at SCQF level 6 (NQF level 3)

Apprentices will start at SCQF level 5 before progressing to level 6. 

Find out more about hairdressing and barbering apprenticeship frameworks in Scotland on the apprenticeships.scot website. 

Funding

Levels of funding vary from across different apprenticeships – click for more information to find out what funding will be available to you.  

Finding an apprentice

You can advertise your apprenticeship opportunities free of charge on the apprenticeship.scot website. You will need to create an account if you have not used the service before. 

Finding a learning provider

You will be able to find a learning provider on the apprenticeships.scot website.

Learning providers can help you sort out funding for training your apprentice and will provide support to both you and your apprentice. The learning provider will organise the training your apprentice needs and make sure they are properly registered on the scheme. 

Hair colourant

Apprenticeship levy

Employers with a pay bill of £3 million or over must pay 0.5% of their pay bill into a pot to help pay for apprenticeship training. This levy applies across the whole of the UK but how the funds can be used varies between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Large employers will have a £15,000 allowance to offset against their levy payment. 

You must pay your apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices. Find out more about the NMW and apprentice rates. (Funding cannot be used to pay wages.) 

Find out more about apprenticeships in the UK  

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