Our CEO Story
Our CEO, Ruby Jo Lomax, began her hairdressing apprenticeship in 2007 and firmly believes it was the foundation of her success within the industry.
In 2009, Ruby was awarded Apprentice of the Year across all apprenticeship sectors at Bolton College, a recognition that reflected her ambition, dedication and passion for hairdressing from an early age.
Learning within a busy salon environment gave Ruby invaluable real-world experience, confidence and commercial awareness that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom alone. She believes that watching experienced professionals, working with clients and being immersed in salon life is one of the most effective ways to develop into a successful stylist.
At just 22 years old, Ruby opened her first salon, Escape Hairdressing & Beauty. Thirteen years later, she went on to establish RJL Education HQ, creating opportunities for aspiring professionals to gain industry-recognised qualifications and practical skills.
Now, three years later, Ruby is proud to launch RJL Apprenticeships, bringing her journey full circle and creating opportunities for the next generation to follow the same path that helped shape her own career.
With new government support for apprenticeships being introduced from October 2026, Ruby hopes to see a return to the traditional salon-based learning route that has produced so many successful hairdressers over the years.
"My apprenticeship changed my life. It gave me the skills, confidence and opportunities to build the career I have today. Launching apprenticeships through RJL is a dream come true, and I can't wait to help the next generation achieve their goals."
– Ruby Jo Lomax, CEO & Founder
Why RJL Apprenticeships
We're not a college trying to teach hairdressing.
We're salon owners, educators and industry professionals who understand exactly what employers need.
Our focus is simple:
Get apprenticeships client-ready as quickly as possible.
Through our fast-track approach to hairdressing education, we help learners build confidence, technical ability and salon professionalism from day one, allowing them to become a valuable member of your team far sooner than many traditional training routes.
Proudly supporting Bolton's future hairdressers, training apprentices and partnering with salons within a 5-mile radius of Bolton.
Get Paid to Learn Hairdressing
Imagine leaving school and starting your dream career straight away.
No student debt.
No sitting in classrooms five days a week.
No waiting years before you start doing what you love.
With an RJL Apprenticeship, you'll be working in a real salon, learning from experienced stylists, building your confidence with clients and earning your own money from day one.
What Will I Earn?
As an apprentice, you'll be employed by a salon and paid whilst you train.
Based on the current Government Apprenticeship Wage of £8.00 per hour, a 16-hour working week would earn you approximately:
£128 per week
£554 per month
£6,656 per year
Many employers choose to pay more than the minimum rate, especially when apprentices show enthusiasm, commitment and a great attitude.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
Let's be honest...
Hairdressing isn't a job you learn from a textbook.
The best stylists learn by watching, practising and being part of a busy salon environment every day.
As an apprentice you'll:
✔ Learn alongside experienced stylists
✔ Work with real clients
✔ Build confidence faster
✔ Earn money whilst training
✔ Gain an industry-recognised qualification
✔ Start building your future career immediately
While your friends are still deciding what they want to do, you'll already be building experience, earning a wage and developing skills that could stay with you for life.
Many salon owners, educators and industry leaders started their careers as apprentices.
In fact, our CEO Ruby Jo Lomax began her apprenticeship at 16 years old, won Apprentice of the Year in 2009 and went on to open her own salon at just 22.
Now she's creating the same opportunity for the next generation.
Kit & Uniform Information
Professional Hairdressing Kit
To ensure every apprentice has the tools needed to succeed from day one, all learners are required to purchase a professional Level 2 Hairdressing Kit before starting their apprenticeship.
Our kit has been carefully selected by industry professionals and contains the essential equipment required throughout training and salon employment.
The kit includes:
- RJL Apprenticeships College Holdall
- Professional Denman College Starter Kit ( inc brushes & combs)
- Professional Hair Straighteners
- Professional Hair Dryer
- 16–18 Inch Training Head
- Training Head Clamp
- Professional Cutting & Thinning Scissors with Wallet
- Sectioning Clips
- RJL Apprenticeships Tunic
Full Professional Hairdressing Kit & Uniform Package: £350
This one-off investment provides apprentices with the professional tools, equipment and uniform required to complete their training and begin their career within the hairdressing industry.
Uniform Requirements
Apprentices are expected to maintain a professional appearance at all times, both in the salon and whilst attending training with RJL Education.
The RJL Education Tunic must be worn during training sessions alongside:
- Black trousers or black leggings
- Smart, closed-toe footwear
- Hair styled in a professional manner
- Minimal jewellery
- Good personal presentation and hygiene
