🚀 Apprenticeships Are Changing — Here’s What It Means for Hair, Barbering & Beauty The government has announced major updates to apprenticeships and the Growth & Skills Levy, and here’s the simple version: ✅ From August 2026, apprentices (16–24) will be fully funded for almost all barbershops, salons and beauty businesses. Great news on paper — but it doesn’t fix the real challenges: low footfall, oversaturation, and the time it takes to train someone properly. ⚠️ New short “apprenticeship units” are launching — but not for our industry yet. The system is moving to modular, flexible learning. Hair & beauty must not get left behind. ⚠️ Big system changes are coming. Levy funds expire faster. Uplifts are removed. Providers may have less flexibility — meaning fewer training places and longer waiting lists. ✨ The opportunity? Government is planning to “streamline” apprenticeship standards. If the industry speaks up, we could finally get training that reflects real shop life in 2026 —...