The organisation is urging the Government to ensure the industry is recognised.
Published:The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s plans to expand access to technical education, work experience and employer-led learning for young people from the age of 14, but says the hair, beauty and barbering sector must be included from the very beginning.
The organisation is urging Government to ensure the industry is recognised as part of the new technical education pathways, while also providing practical support to the small businesses that will be expected to deliver meaningful work experience and apprenticeships.
The call comes as the sector continues to face challenges in recruiting apprentices. According to the NHBF’s State of the Sector 2026 survey, conducted in February, just 20 of 423 businesses expected to recruit an apprentice within the following three months, while 388 said they were unlikely or definitely not planning to do so.
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Cathy Weston, Director of Quality & Standards at the NHBF, said: “Technical skills should be valued whether they are developed in a salon or in a classroom.
“Giving young people early access to technical education through skills training and work experience with employers helps them develop practical skills, build confidence and take their first steps towards a successful career.
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s ambition to give young people earlier access to practical education and real workplaces. Hair, beauty and barbering should be part of that offer from the outset. These are skilled, creative careers that provide routes into employment, management and entrepreneurship in every part of the country.
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The NHBF continues to explain that inspiring young people is only the first step, and that there must be viable apprenticeships and jobs for them to progress into. That means working directly with our sector and giving small employers practical support to offer safe, high-quality experience and training.
“The NHBF stands ready to work with Government, mayors, schools and training providers to make sure these new pathways lead to genuine opportunities for young people.”
Read our article: NHBF Calls On Employers To Share Their Views In New Industry Survey.
For more info, follow @nhbfsocial on Instagram.
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