What Does An Apprentice Actually Cost A Salon In 202
If you're thinking about taking on your first apprentice, the first question is usually cost.
Many salon and spa owners assume apprenticeships are expensive or complicated. In reality, government funding covers most training costs for eligible employers, and your main ongoing cost is usually the apprentice's wage.
This guide explains what you pay, what government support covers, and the practical costs first-time employers should plan for. Funding and eligibility depend on government rules at the start of the apprenticeship — confirm current details with Cedars or on GOV.UK before hiring.
The short answer
For most small and medium employers (non-levy), the biggest training cost is not the course fee.
| Cost type | Who usually pays |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship training & assessment | Mostly government-funded, up to the funding band maximum |
| Apprentice wages | You — at least National Minimum Wage for apprentices |
| Uniform, kit, travel support | You — some incentives may help |
| Supervision / mentoring time | You — business time, not a course fee |
So the real question is less "how much is the training?" and more "what will wages and day-to-day support cost my business?"
1. Apprenticeship funding (training costs)
Government funding helps pay for training and assessment up to the funding band maximum for each apprenticeship standard. What you contribute depends on whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy.
If you don't pay the Levy
- Most salons and spas fall here
- From 1 August 2026, apprentices aged 16–24: training and assessment can be 100% government-funded, up to the funding band maximum
- Apprentices aged 25+: you typically pay 5%, government covers 95%
If you do pay the Levy
- Applies if your annual pay bill is over £3 million
- Levy funds sit in your Apprenticeship Service account for approved training and assessment — the government also tops them up
- If your balance runs out, co-investment rules apply for new starts from August 2026
That makes apprenticeships one of the most affordable ways to train new stylists, therapists, nail technicians, or holistic practitioners.
2. What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who pays | Employers with an annual pay bill over £3 million |
| Rate | 0.5% of the pay bill above that threshold |
| How it works | Funds sit in your Apprenticeship Service account for apprenticeship training |
Most hair, beauty, and holistic businesses are non-levy employers, so they don't pay into the Levy — but can still access government-funded apprenticeship training.
3. Apprentice wages — your main cost
Many salons choose to pay above the minimum to attract stronger candidates — that's a business decision, not a legal requirement beyond the minimum.
4. Other costs employers should plan for
Beyond wages and training contributions, budget for:
- Uniform / salon kit, where needed
- Product use while the apprentice practises on clients or models
- Supervision time — mentoring is part of every good apprenticeship
- Travel to academy days, depending on your arrangement
- Off-the-job training time — learning that sits outside normal work duties
These are normal employment costs. They're also where apprenticeships differ from "quick hire" recruitment: you invest time early, then gain a team member trained to your standards.
5. Extra support that can reduce cost
6. Common misconceptions
"I have to pay full course fees."
Usually not. For many non-levy employers, training is largely or fully government-funded.
"Apprenticeships are only for school leavers."
No. Existing staff and career-changers can also complete apprenticeships if eligible.
"It will cost more than recruiting an experienced stylist."
Experienced hires often command higher wages and may still need retraining to your methods. An apprentice costs less upfront on wages and builds loyalty over time.
"Funding covers wages too."
No. Funding supports training and assessment. You still pay wages.
"There's nothing for my salon specifically."
Cedars delivers apprenticeships designed for hair, beauty, nails, and holistic roles — including Hairdressing Professional, Beauty Therapist, Nail Services Technician, Advanced Beauty Therapist, and Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist pathways.
7. A simple cost checklist for first-time employers
Before you hire, write down:
- Will I be a levy or non-levy employer?
- What age is the apprentice likely to be — 16–24 or 25+?
- What wage can I afford — minimum vs competitive?
- Who will mentor them on the floor?
- Which role do I need — hair, beauty, nails, or holistic?
Bring those answers to a provider conversation — it makes funding advice much clearer.
How Cedars helps
Cedars Training Academy supports salon, spa, and clinic employers across Gloucestershire with:
- Clear funding guidance for your situation
- A free recruitment service — advertise your vacancy and screen eligible applicants
- Enrolment and paperwork support
- Off-the-job training with industry-experienced tutors
- Regular progress reviews through to End-Point Assessment
We specialise in hair, beauty, nails, and holistic apprenticeships, so advice is practical for salon life — not generic.
Get a clear cost picture for your first apprentice.
If you're considering your first apprentice and want a clear cost picture for your business, speak to our employer team.
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