BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO OUR INDUSTRY

From October 2026, new government support will make taking on young talent more accessible for eligible salons. With an apprentice employed from 16 hours per week, fully funded training for eligible 16–24-year-olds and hiring payments available, now is the time to build the team your salon will need next.

Register for an apprenticeship

Not an expense. An investment in your future team.

A well-supported apprentice can strengthen the client journey, support your existing stylists and develop into a professional who understands your standards from the beginning. RJL combines structured apprenticeship training with genuine salon experience, keeping development relevant to the work your business actually does.

  • Grow talent your way. Shape skills, standards and client care around your salon culture.
  • Increase team capacity. Develop an apprentice who can contribute more as their confidence and competence grow.
  • Protect the future of the industry. Pass on commercial skills and professional standards to the next generation.
  • Get expert support. RJL works with you and the apprentice through onboarding, training and progress reviews.
  • Make hiring more accessible. RJL accepts suitable salon employment from 16 paid hours per week.

What funding could your salon receive?

SupportWho may qualifyPotential value
New apprenticeship hiring paymentEligible non-levy employers recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24 from 1 October 2026, subject to the published rules.Up to £2,000
Young apprentice paymentEmployers taking on an apprentice aged 16–18, or an eligible 19–24-year-old with an EHC plan or care experience.£1,000
Youth Jobs GrantA separate employment scheme for eligible 18–24-year-olds receiving Universal Credit and meeting the programme conditions.Up to £3,000

What you need to offer

  • A genuine employed role in your salon for at least 16 paid hours per week
  • At least the legal minimum wage applicable to the apprentice
  • Paid time for required apprenticeship training during normal working hours
  • A safe, professional working environment with appropriate supervision
  • Opportunities to practise and develop the skills required by the apprenticeship
  • The same employment rights and relevant benefits as comparable employees

How RJL supports your salon

  • Guidance on recruiting and onboarding the right apprentice
  • A structured training plan agreed with you and the apprentice
  • Industry-led teaching connected to real salon performance
  • Regular communication and progress reviews
  • Support with apprenticeship paperwork and funding processes
  • A full apprentice equipment package and RJL tunic included

Qualified assessor in your team?

If you have a suitably qualified assessor, speak to RJL about how your salon may be able to take a greater role in developing the apprentice in-house. Any delivery arrangement, responsibilities and completion payment must be agreed with RJL and meet the applicable funding and quality requirements.