The Academy

The Academy is a government-funded specialist training provider offering apprenticeships and vocational training in hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy across Yorkshire. Established in 1999, it focuses on industry-specific skills for apprentices, full-time students, schools and colleges, working in partnership with employers to develop talent for the hair and beauty sector. The Academy delivers employer-designed apprenticeship standards at levels 2 and 3, ensuring apprentices gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for successful End Point Assessment and confident employment. Training is delivered at purpose-built academies in Scarborough and Whitby, with off-the-job apprenticeship training also taking place in the workplace as agreed with employers. In addition to apprenticeships, the Academy offers Level 1 qualifications, traineeships for 16–18-year-olds needing support to progress into apprenticeships or work, and taster evenings, day sessions and weekly experience placements for school pupils considering careers in hair, beauty or barbering. Learners benefit from a supportive environment with clear safeguarding arrangements and access to impartial advice and guidance from a small, dedicated team.