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L2Apprenticeship7083 approved providers
The Level 2 Barbering professional, and the 3 providers delivering it.
Demonstrate a range of Barbering skills tailored to client requirements, whilst providing an outstanding service.
About this apprenticeship
What this apprenticeship covers
Apprentices learn to deliver the full range of barbering services: shampooing and conditioning, cutting using scissor and clipper techniques, styling, finishing, and facial hair shaping including wet shaving. A key requirement is competence across all hair types, from straight type 1 to coily type 4. Training also covers client consultation, infection control, health and safety, product knowledge, and retail selling. Apprentices learn to work independently to a high level of precision while meeting professional standards of client care and conduct.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Working in a client-facing barbershop environment, apprentices carry out consultations before each service, identifying any contraindications and agreeing the look with the client. They perform cuts, fades, beard trims, and shaving services using clippers, scissors, and razors. Between clients they maintain hygiene standards, clean and sterilise tools, restock retail products, and support front-of-house tasks such as bookings and payments. Apprentices also advise clients on aftercare and products, and may contribute to the shop's social media presence.
Career outlook
Completing this apprenticeship leads to roles as a qualified barber or men's hairstylist, working across independent barbershops, high-street chains, and franchise operations. With experience, progression typically moves toward senior barber, shop supervisor, or barbershop manager. Some barbers go on to become self-employed, running their own chair or opening a shop. Demand for skilled barbers is consistent across the UK, with opportunities in both urban and suburban locations. The qualification also provides a foundation for further study at level 3 in advanced barbering or hair services.
3 approved providers
Sorted by achievement rate.
City College Plymouth
City College Plymouth is a further education college offering a wide range of apprenticeship and voc...
Achievement training & skills
Employer: 2.0
Achievement Training and Skills (ATS) is an established national training provider specialising in a...
Crackerjack Training
Crackerjack Training is an independent training provider based in Edgbaston, Birmingham, specialisin...
Career outcomes
Roles after completion
Qualified apprentices typically move into a Barber or Men's Hairstylist position, working independently on the full range of barbering services: haircuts across all hair types, clipper work, scissor-over-comb, beard shaping, and wet shaving. Some take up a chair in an established barbershop straightaway; others join a franchise or high-street brand where ongoing training and structured rotas are in place.
Progression paths
Within three to five years, experienced barbers commonly move into Senior Barber roles with responsibility for junior staff, mentoring, and quality standards. From there, paths split between management and craft. The management track leads to Barbershop Manager or Salon Manager, covering scheduling, retail performance, and team development. The specialist track includes Master Barber, educator, or session barber working in media and editorial. Self-employment and shop ownership are realistic longer-term goals for those who build a client base and business knowledge alongside their technical skills.
Where these roles sit
Hiring happens across independent barbershops, franchised chains, and multi-service salons that include a barber offer. Employers range from single-chair micro-businesses to national high-street chains with dozens of locations. Hotels, cruise ships, and men's grooming brands occasionally recruit qualified barbers for in-house or travelling roles. The sector is predominantly private, with demand spread across urban centres and suburban high streets throughout the UK.
How it's assessed
How the apprenticeship is assessed
Learning takes place on the job, with the apprentice developing practical barbering skills alongside their employment in a barbershop. Throughout the programme, they build competence across the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard, covering technical services, client consultation, health and safety, and professional conduct. Before moving to final assessment, the apprentice must pass a readiness check, often called a gateway, where the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice is ready. Final assessment then provides independent confirmation that the apprentice can perform the full range of barbering duties to industry standard. Assessment models for many standards are currently being updated, so check the standard's gov.uk page for the current specification.
What learners need to prepare
Building good evidence habits from the start makes a significant difference at assessment. Rather than trying to reconstruct evidence near the end of the programme, apprentices should keep records of the services they carry out, the hair types they work with, and the client interactions that demonstrate professional behaviour. Working closely with both the employer and the training provider, and being clear on what the standard expects at each stage, means the gateway review is a confirmation of readiness rather than a surprise.
Choosing a provider
What good looks like
Look for providers with an achievement rate above 65% on their FATP profile, and pay close attention to learner reviews that mention hands-on chair time. Because barbering is entirely practical, a good provider will run, or have formal links with, working barbershops or training salons where apprentices practise on real clients across all hair types, including type 3 and type 4 textured hair. Employer satisfaction scores above 80% suggest the provider communicates well and supports the workplace mentor. Check that the provider covers your region and has delivered this specific standard before, not just hairdressing.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of providers whose training is classroom-heavy with limited access to live client work, particularly if learner reviews describe infrequent practical sessions. A high volume of enrolments alongside a declining or borderline achievement rate can indicate stretched capacity and limited individual attention. Providers who cannot show how they cover all hair type classifications, including afro and textured hair, are a gap worth probing. Vague answers about how off-the-job training hours are structured, or who cannot name the tools and product ranges used in training, are also worth treating with scepticism.
Questions to ask before you commit
- How many hours of practical chair time on real clients will the apprentice get during training, and where does that take place?
- How do you ensure apprentices gain experience across all hair types, including type 3 and type 4 textured and afro hair?
- What is your current achievement rate for this standard, and how has it changed over the last two years?
- How do you support the workplace mentor in a small or independent barbershop where supervision time is limited?
- What tools, clippers and product ranges are used during off-the-job training, and are they current to industry practice?
- How is the end-point assessment structured, and what is your pass rate for this standard specifically?
- Can you connect us with a current employer whose apprentice has completed this programme?
Common questions
What entry requirements does a candidate need to start a barbering professional apprenticeship?
There are no nationally set entry requirements for this standard, so employers set their own criteria. Most expect candidates to have a genuine interest in barbering and good communication skills. Some employers ask for basic maths and English qualifications, and many will require a Level 1 or equivalent before starting. The apprentice must be employed in a barbering role for the full duration, working in a client-facing environment such as a barbershop or salon.
How long does the apprenticeship take and how is learning split between work and study?
The typical duration is 18 months, though this can vary depending on the apprentice's prior experience and the employer's programme. Apprentices work in the barbershop throughout, learning on the job alongside any off-the-job training. Current reforms under Skills England mean the off-the-job requirement is under review. Check the current funding rules and apprenticeship standard on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education pages on gov.uk for the latest requirements.
How is a barbering professional apprentice assessed at the end of their programme?
Before assessment, the apprentice must pass through gateway, where both the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice has developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard. End-point assessment typically includes a practical observation of barbering services and a professional discussion. Assessment models for many standards are being updated as part of current reforms, so check gov.uk for the current assessment plan before enrolling.
How does an employer pay for a barbering professional apprenticeship?
The funding band for this standard is £9,000, which is the maximum government contribution towards training costs. Larger employers paying the apprenticeship levy use their levy account to cover this. SMEs not paying the levy co-invest with the government, typically contributing 5 percent of training costs. Very small employers taking on an apprentice aged 16 to 18 pay nothing. Wages are separate and are the employer's responsibility throughout.
What does a barbering professional apprentice actually do during their working day?
Day-to-day work involves carrying out client consultations, shampooing and conditioning hair, cutting across all hair types from straight to very curly, and providing styling, finishing and shaving services. Apprentices also handle front-of-house duties such as bookings and payments, maintain client records, recommend retail products, and follow strict hygiene and infection control procedures. They are expected to work without direct supervision and support the wider barbershop team.
What can a qualified barber do after completing this apprenticeship?
After completing the Level 2 standard, barbers can progress to more senior roles within a barbershop, move towards running or managing their own business, or work as a freelance or mobile barber. Some progress to a Level 3 qualification in hairdressing or barbering management. Experienced barbers may also move into education, training junior staff or delivering apprenticeships themselves. Career direction depends largely on the type of business and the individual's goals.
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Curated by Alex Lockey, FATP founder and editor. Last reviewed: .
Sources include the apprenticeship's official specification on apprenticeships.gov.uk, Skills England guidance, IfATE archive records, DWP funding bands, and provider data sourced directly from the public Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Standard reference: 708.
Some sections on this page were drafted with AI assistance from published source data and reviewed by a human editor before publication. See our editorial methodology for how we maintain this content. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.