Any spa, salon, wellness business or hospitality employer in England can employ an apprentice, as long as they can provide:

• Paid employment

• A suitable working environment

• Support for on-the-job learning

You don’t need to be a large business — most spa employers are eligible.

→ Link to: GOV.UK – Employing an apprentice

Off-the-job training is a required part of an apprenticeship and makes up at least 20% of the apprentice’s paid working time.

It does not mean time off unpaid work.
It includes:

• Classroom or online learning

• Shadowing and mentoring

• Assignments and assessments

• Industry education relevant to the role

→ Link to: GOV.UK – Off-the-job training explained

Yes. Apprenticeships are often used to upskill existing team members, not just new starters.

This can be particularly effective for:

• Junior therapists developing core skills

• Senior therapists moving into leadership

• Team members transitioning into management

→ Link to: GOV.UK – Use apprenticeships for existing staff

Beauty apprenticeships in England typically last between 12 and 24 months, depending on the level of the apprenticeship and the individual learner.

As a guide:

• Beauty Therapist / Beauty Professional apprenticeships usually take 12–18 months

• Advanced Beauty Therapist apprenticeships typically take 18–24 months

The duration includes:

• On-the-job training in a real working environment

• Off-the-job training (a minimum of 20% of paid working time)

• Assessments and the final end-point assessment

The exact length can vary based on:

• Previous experience or qualifications

• Hours worked per week

• The training provider’s delivery model

→ Suggested link: GOV.UK – Beauty Therapist apprenticeship standard

For most spa businesses, the government covers 95% of the training costs. The employer pays the remaining 5%.

Large employers may already pay into the Apprenticeship Levy and can use those funds instead.

Training costs are separate from wages, which the employer pays as part of normal employment.

→ Link to: GOV.UK – Apprenticeship funding

No. Apprenticeships are open to any age, as long as the individual meets the eligibility criteria.

They are increasingly used by:

• Career changers

• Returners to the industry

• Existing team members developing new skills

→ Link to: GOV.UK – Apprenticeship eligibility

Beauty apprenticeships in England are delivered by approved beauty and hair training providers who are recognised to teach specific apprenticeship standards.

These may include:

• Specialist beauty apprenticeship training providers

• Further Education colleges with beauty therapy departments

• Industry-focused educators delivering workplace-based training

All providers must be approved and listed on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) and meet national quality standards.

Training is a combination of:

• Workplace learning within a salon or spa

• Structured teaching and assessment by the training provider

• Ongoing reviews involving the apprentice, employer, and trainer

Spa Well does not deliver apprenticeship training or qualifications.
Instead, we support the wider professional development, industry context, and career progression that sits alongside formal training.

→ Suggested link: GOV.UK – Find a beauty apprenticeship training provider

Apprenticeships and vocational training are structured differently across the UK and internationally.

This page focuses specifically on apprenticeships in England, where funding, standards and delivery are governed by national frameworks.

If you are based in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or outside the UK, training routes, qualifications and funding models will differ. We recommend checking with national education bodies or local training providers in your region for the most accurate guidance.

Apprenticeships are a strong option for many spa businesses, but they are not the right fit for everyone.

They work best for employers who:

• Are willing to invest time in training and development

• Can support learning in a live working environment

• Are thinking long-term about talent and succession

For some businesses, alternative training routes or short courses may be more appropriate. The key is choosing an education pathway that aligns with your business model, team structure and growth plans.