At Pkai Hair in Peterborough, developing new talent is part of what keeps the salon buzzing with creativity. Recently, one of their apprentices, Roxie Fox-King, successfully passed her Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship with Heart of England Training (HOET), a milestone that highlights how valuable apprenticeships can be for both learners and salons alike.
Learning by Doing
For Roxie, choosing an apprenticeship over full-time college study was an easy decision.
“I thought it opened better opportunities by working in the salon and gaining hands-on experience rather than sitting in a classroom,” she said. “In an apprenticeship, I got to learn theory and practical training constantly.”
That real-world experience is what makes apprenticeships such a strong option for salons looking to grow their teams. By learning in a live environment, apprentices like Roxie develop confidence, technical skills, and client-care experience from day one.
Support That Makes a Difference
A big part of Roxie’s success came from the structured support she received throughout her training with HOET. Her educator, Jonathan, made sure that every session had clear goals and guidance.
“Having the structured meetings with Jonathan helped because I knew what I was expecting as it was always planned in advance,” Roxie explained. “I knew what models to get in for assessments and what I had left to cover to get it done as soon as possible.”
For salons, this consistency means the apprentice’s training complements the business — not disrupts it. HOET’s approach is all about building confidence and competence in a way that fits the day-to-day life of a working salon.
Growing Skills and Confidence
Now that Roxie has completed her End Point Assessment (EPA), she’s a confident, full-time stylist.
“Being an apprentice eased me into my full-time role,” she said. “I was slowly on the shop floor more and more with regular clients, so now I’ve passed, I know what to expect and it’s helped hone my skills.”
Apprenticeships allow learners to grow at their own pace, ensuring they’re truly ready when it’s time to qualify, something that benefits the salon as much as the apprentice. Employers gain motivated team members who understand their brand, culture, and client expectations.
A Partnership That Supports the Industry
At Heart of England Training, we understand how important it is to nurture home-grown talent in the hair and beauty industry. Our Hairdressing Apprenticeships are designed to support salons with:
- Dedicated educators who plan regular, structured training
- Flexible delivery to suit your salon’s schedule
- Practical skills development alongside theory and client care
- Ongoing communication and progress updates
We’re proud to work closely with salons like Pkai Hair, helping them to develop the next generation of skilled stylists who will keep the industry thriving.
Roxie’s Advice for Future Apprentices
“My advice would be to make sure you research and find a good salon who will give you the support you need throughout your apprenticeship,” Roxie shared. “Get to know a little more about the course too, there are many components involved that not many people realise. Research is key.”
Her journey is a perfect example of how the right training provider and a supportive salon can create a recipe for success.
Ready to Grow Your Salon’s Future Talent?
If you’re a salon owner looking to invest in the next generation of stylists, Heart of England Training can help you every step of the way.
Learn more about our Hairdressing Apprenticeships and how they can benefit your business at hoet.co.uk/apprenticeships-for-salons.
