Barber apprenticeships - where to start
You could get into this job through:
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this rolefreelance work
College
You could take a course to help you get started, for example a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Barbering.
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You can do a hair professional Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship, or a Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship for creative hair professionals.
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
You may be able to start work as a trainee barber in a barbershop and learn on the job. Your employer would expect you to take a part-time course to get qualifications, either at a college or in their own training school if they have one.
Other Routes
You may be able to work freelance and rent space in a barbershop, though you'll usually have to supply your own equipment.
Barber apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- active listening skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work on your own
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Barber apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a barber, you might do the following as part of your daily routine:
- welcome customers and find out what they want
- give advice to customers on hairstyles and grooming
- cut and style hair
- shave, trim and shape beards and moustaches
- provide scalp, face and neck massages
- clean and sterilise equipment, like combs, razors and clippers
- take payments, keep records and make appointments
- keep up to date with new styles and techniques
Working environment
You could work in a barbershop, at a client's home or on a film set.
Your working environment may be physically active.
Career path and progression - Barber apprenticeships
With experience you could become a senior barber. If you take further qualifications, you could move into training or assessing student barbers.
You could also open your own barbershop, either independently or as a franchise.