Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship
The Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin a career in the hairdressing industry. This hands-on programme equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to work as a junior stylist in a salon, delivering a wide range of hairdressing services to clients.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a salon while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 24 months and combines practical experience with classroom-based learning to help you develop your confidence, creativity, and professionalism.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a salon while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 24 months and combines practical experience with classroom-based learning to help you develop your confidence, creativity, and professionalism.
Course Information
Course Type:
Apprenticeship
Study Mode:
PT Released
Qualification:
Apprenticeship
Location:
Deane Road Campus
Course Code:
SD157-L2
Course Length:
Start Date:
Various start dates from August 2026
Subject Area:
SERVICE INDUSTRIES
Overview
The Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin a career in the hairdressing industry. This hands-on programme equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to work as a junior stylist in a salon, delivering a wide range of hairdressing services to clients.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a salon while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 24 months and combines practical experience with classroom-based learning to help you develop your confidence, creativity, and professionalism.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a salon while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 24 months and combines practical experience with classroom-based learning to help you develop your confidence, creativity, and professionalism.
What You'll Learn
You’ll learn how to shampoo, condition, cut, style, and finish hair using a variety of techniques. You’ll also be trained in colouring and lightening hair, as well as how to carry out consultations and recommend products and services to clients.
The course covers essential topics such as health and safety, hygiene, customer service, and working with different hair types and textures. You’ll also develop your communication skills and learn how to work effectively as part of a salon team.
The course covers essential topics such as health and safety, hygiene, customer service, and working with different hair types and textures. You’ll also develop your communication skills and learn how to work effectively as part of a salon team.
How Will I Be Assessed?
You’ll be assessed throughout the apprenticeship through practical observations, written assignments, and a portfolio of evidence. Your college tutor and employer will help you track your progress and prepare for your final assessment.
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:
A practical skills test
A professional discussion
A workplace observation
An online multiple-choice test
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:
A practical skills test
A professional discussion
A workplace observation
An online multiple-choice test
Entry Requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to start the Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship—just a strong interest in hairdressing and a desire to learn and grow in the industry. This programme is ideal for school leavers or individuals looking to retrain in a creative and customer-focused profession.
However, some employers may set their own entry requirements, such as GCSEs in English and Maths. If you have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in these subjects, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 1 (and work towards Level 2) as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry—Bolton College will support you throughout your training.
However, some employers may set their own entry requirements, such as GCSEs in English and Maths. If you have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in these subjects, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 1 (and work towards Level 2) as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry—Bolton College will support you throughout your training.
I'm Interested, What Next?
If you’re interested in this apprenticeship, the first step is to register your interest with Bolton College. This will add you to our mailing list so we can keep you informed about any upcoming apprenticeship vacancies or employer opportunities in your chosen field.
To begin the apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment with an organisation willing to support you as an apprentice. While it is your responsibility to find and apply for suitable roles, Bolton College is here to help. We have a dedicated Job Shop located within the college, where you can meet with an Employer Engagement Advisor for tailored support and advice on how to apply for vacancies and prepare for interviews.
Job Shop Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Email: Job.shop@Boltoncc.ac.uk
Tel: 01204 482182
To begin the apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment with an organisation willing to support you as an apprentice. While it is your responsibility to find and apply for suitable roles, Bolton College is here to help. We have a dedicated Job Shop located within the college, where you can meet with an Employer Engagement Advisor for tailored support and advice on how to apply for vacancies and prepare for interviews.
Job Shop Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Email: Job.shop@Boltoncc.ac.uk
Tel: 01204 482182
Future Opportunities
After completing this apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to work as a junior stylist in a salon or even start your own freelance business. You may also choose to progress onto the Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeship to further develop your skills and take on more advanced responsibilities.
The hair and beauty industry offers a wide range of career paths, from salon work to fashion, media, and education.
The hair and beauty industry offers a wide range of career paths, from salon work to fashion, media, and education.
Who Can I Speak To?
In the first instance please send an email to apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk
Anything Else I Need to Know?
Our £75 million campus offers:
• A fitness suite and sports hall
• Apple Mac suites
• Libraries
• A theatre and dance studios
• A café selling Costa coffee
• Wella-approved hair salons
Strong Number 1 for Achievement Rates/strong
We’re the number one General Further Education College in Greater Manchester for 16-18 achievement rates for higher level qualifications.
Strong Ofsted Grade 2 ‘Good’/strong
Ofsted also agrees; on our last inspection we were graded 2 for Good. Ofsted highlighted the fact that our learners develop good employability and personal skills and that a high proportion progress to Apprenticeships, employment or Higher Education.
• A fitness suite and sports hall
• Apple Mac suites
• Libraries
• A theatre and dance studios
• A café selling Costa coffee
• Wella-approved hair salons
Strong Number 1 for Achievement Rates/strong
We’re the number one General Further Education College in Greater Manchester for 16-18 achievement rates for higher level qualifications.
Strong Ofsted Grade 2 ‘Good’/strong
Ofsted also agrees; on our last inspection we were graded 2 for Good. Ofsted highlighted the fact that our learners develop good employability and personal skills and that a high proportion progress to Apprenticeships, employment or Higher Education.
How to Apply?
Click the ‘Express an Interest’ button on this page to express your interest.
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Open Events
Open Events are your chance to experience Bolton College first-hand.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
- Wednesday 15th October 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 18th November 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Monday 15th December 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Wednesday 9th February 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 12th March 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 12th May 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 18th June 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Walk In Day, Thursday 2nd July 2026, 9am-4pm
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Supporting Your Learning
We have a range of dedicated support and wellbeing services including FREE travel, financial support, and impartial advice and guidance. Throughout your Apprenticeship, you’ll also receive one-to-one support from your dedicated Work Based Tutor, helping you to achieve your ambitions
Why Choose Us?
We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
English and maths classes - for adults and young people who want that grade or confidence boost.
What Our Students Say
Anna Shephard
Policing Level 3
‘The Study Programme gave me the skills to progress to Boughton University to study crime and criminal justice.’
Lucie Kovacova
Travel & Tourism Level 3
‘I was so proud to be part of a team that won the GMCG Skills Competition. I was even prouder when I achieved a Distinction Star on my course.’
Lucy Aitken
Fitness & Wellbeing
‘College has been so supportive with my karate training. My ambition is to get a Gold World Championship medal.’
James Thomas
Forensics & Criminal Investigation
‘I love doing crime scene investigation, it’s so interesting. Next, I’m hoping to study forensics at university.’
Jeet Varsani
Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
‘I was so proud to secure the runner-up spot in the GMCG Skills Competition.’
Lucy Boardman
Professional Cookery
‘The army visited our kitchens and challenged us to create a three-course meal out of ration kits. My team won!’
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