Hair and beauty apprenticeships that ensure trainees are ‘salon-ready’ when they qualify have been given government approval.

Statistics from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia) indicate that in 2013, there were 12,922 apprentices in the UK sector. With this number set to increase over the next few years, the new standards have been developed by a group of industry experts to make apprenticeships easier for employers to run and more skills-focused for trainees.

The Trailblazer Steering Group, which was set up to develop and submit the standards, is made up of industry movers and shakers such as Hellen Ward, chair of Richard Ward Hair and Metrospa; George Hammer, chair of Urban Retreat; Helen Buck of Regis; Stephen Kee of SAKS; and Cathy Weston of Toni & Guy. Smaller employers are represented by Edward Hemmings of Alan D Hairdressing, Gary Machin of Roger of Chell Barber Shops, Yvonne McConnell of Phaze 1 Hair, Nail and Beauty Lounge, and Diane Hey of Armonia.

The group has worked in partnership with Habia, the National Hairdressers’ Federation and SkillsActive to produce what it hopes are clearer guidelines on setting up and implementing apprenticeships. It also aims to qualify trainees who have a relevant, commercial skill set, as well as practical experience.

Apprenticeships will be offered in the two standards of hair and beauty. The former will cover hairdressing and barbering and the latter, beauty and makeup consultancy; beauty and spa therapy; and nail services.

“We’re delighted with the government approval of the standards, which have been thoroughly considered and discussed by employers and industry stakeholders alike. The next step is to look at the delivery, implementation and assessment of the apprenticeships,” said George Hammer of Urban Retreat.

Going forward, the group will work with awarding organisations and industry associations to develop practical and theory assessments by independent examiners. It is hoped that the hair and beauty apprenticeships will be live from September 2015.