About Us

The new National Hairdressing Apprenticeship has been developed by a consortium steering group (CSG) lead by a ‘co-ordinating provider’, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The programme has been designed to deliver a nationally-recognised standard that will be responsive to the needs of industry, through robust engagement and liaison with industry and education experts nationwide. The CSG’s mission is to provide a statutory apprenticeship that offers a nationally-recognised standard for the hairdressing industry in Ireland, and promotes hairdressing as a valid and exciting career opportunity.

Role of the CSG

The CSG has a public role in supporting the promotion of the occupation and the apprenticeship. It will do this by providing information on the programme to the potential apprentices, employers and to the media. Through its employer members and professional bodies, it will inform the industry of updates relating to the programme. The CSG comprises of representatives from IMAGE Skillnet, The Hairdressing Council of Ireland, The Irish Hairdressers Federation, Synergy Hair Group, Peter Mark, Wayne Lloyd (Medium Industry Representative) and Catherine Cusack (Small Industry Representative).

To address the skills shortage and struggle to find
suitably qualified hairdressers faced by many businesses

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is defined as a programme of structured education and training. It formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre. Apprenticeship is a dual system, a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training. Only apprenticeships approved by SOLAS, the national Further Education and Training Authority, are recognised by the Department of Education and Skills.

Benefits of a National Hairdressing Apprenticeship

Currently there is a skills shortage and many salons are struggling to find suitably qualified hairdressers to sustain and grow their business. The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship will provide a skilled pool of talent to meet the growing needs of the industry and add value to the employer’s business.

Skills

Up to now there was no nationally-recognised qualification for hairdressers in Ireland. This apprenticeship will provide the first nationally-recognised flagship standard for the hairdressing industry. A hairdressing apprenticeship will ensure that training and development of hairdressing professionals will be formally regulated and consistent. It will provide a consistent standard nationally, providing a route to recognised qualifications with clear routes for progression within the industry and to other training and education opportunities.

Information for Employers

There are 2 steps in the process of employing an apprentice:

  1. The employer becomes an approved SOLAS employer by contacting their local Education and Training Board to arrange a visit from the Senior Training Advisor/Authorised Officer as part of what is referred to as the ‘suitability to train’ process.
  2. Once the employer is approved by SOLAS, they will then be able to register their apprentice by completing the registration form and returning the documentation. This process usually takes between 7 and 10 days.
  • Senior Training Advisors/SOLAS Authorised Officers are available to guide and assist employers through the approval and registration process.
  • The National Apprenticeship Programme Co-ordinator and local Education Training Board Programme Leaders are available to offer clarity and support where needed.
  • Training and resource material is available for Workplace Mentors. Workplace Mentors and employers are also offered assistance from the Senior Training Advisors/SOLAS Authorised Officers, Programme Leaders and the National Apprenticeship Programme Co-ordinator as appropriate.
  • Free off-the-job training of apprentices. Education Providers do not charge for any part of the off-the-job training.

The employer pays the apprentice both on-the-job and off-the-job for the duration of the apprenticeship. In all cases, the rate of pay is agreed between the employer and the apprentice.

An Apprenticeship Code of Practice is available on the apprenticeship.ie website here and is a useful guide for both employers and apprentices. The Apprenticeship Code of Practice sets out participating employers’ and apprentices’ duties and responsibilities. Apprentices and employers sign up to the Code of Practice as part of the statutory apprenticeship process.

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