Apprenticeship Overview
The Level 2 Beauty Therapist Apprenticeship provides employers with a confident, well‑trained junior therapist who can deliver high‑quality treatments, support the day‑to‑day running of your salon or spa, and uphold the professional standards expected across the Beauty Therapy sector.
This 12–18 month programme combines paid employment (minimum 30 hours per week) with structured practical training delivered by Achievement Training’s specialist Beauty Therapy team. Apprentices develop the technical skills, professional behaviours and commercial awareness needed to contribute positively to your business from day one.
Core Treatments Covered
Apprentices learn to deliver all essential Level 2 treatments confidently and professionally:
- Waxing services – legs, underarms, face, bikini line.
- Hand, nail and foot treatments – manicures and pedicures.
- Facial and skincare treatments
- Eyelash and eyebrow treatments – shaping, tinting and maintenance.
- Make‑up application
- Basic massage treatments – back, neck and shoulder.
Why Employers Choose Achievement Training
Achievement Training is a long‑established Plymouth‑based training provider with strong links across the Hair & Beauty sector. Employers benefit from:
- Apprentices trained to industry standards, using professional products, tools and equipment.
- A programme designed around commercial salon practice, ensuring treatments are completed safely and within viable timings.
- Clear communication, progress tracking and support throughout the apprenticeship.
- A reliable pathway to develop future Level 3 therapists and specialist roles.
- High‑quality teaching delivered by experienced Beauty Therapy professionals.
Programme Structure
Duration
Typically 15–18 months, depending on learner progress.
Employment Hours
Apprentices must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a salon, spa or clinic environment.
Training Delivery
Achievement Training uses a day‑release model, allowing apprentices to:
- Build practical skills in a professional training environment.
- Apply learning directly in the workplace.
- Receive structured support from tutors and assessors.
Maths & English
Functional Skills support is provided where GCSE grade 4/C has not already been achieved.
Assessment
Ongoing Assessment
Throughout the programme, apprentices complete:
- Practical observations
- Treatment portfolios
- Workplace competency checks
- Knowledge tasks and professional behaviour assessments
End‑Point Assessment (EPA)
The apprenticeship concludes with an independent EPA, including:
- A practical observation of selected treatments
- A professional discussion demonstrating knowledge, behaviours and commercial understanding
This ensures apprentices meet national occupational standards and are fully competent for salon work.
Progression Opportunities
After completing the Level 2 programme, apprentices can progress into:
- Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist Apprenticeship
- Specialist roles such as lash technician, nail technician, spa therapist or massage therapist
- Full‑time junior therapist positions within your organisation
This creates a clear development pathway and supports long‑term workforce planning.
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it.
Individuals without level 1 English and maths, aged 16-18, will be required to complete the Level 2 functional skills qualifications prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.
