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Learner journey
There are always so many questions that you want answered when you are thinking of applying for a training course. So let’s see if we can help you get some answers.
Why Choose UKTD
- UKTD is one of the largest training providers offering a range of qualifications, apprenticeships and training
- Established in 1998
- Located in Hertfordshire with learners across the whole of the South of England
- Work-based training: you will be employed and earning from day one of your training with us
- We have qualified over 250 apprentices, trainees and private learners in the last year alone
- UKTD works with over 400 employers in a range of vocational areas
- UKTD is a specialist provider and one of the most successful hairdressing providers of work based learning
- Highly supportive and well trained staff – all from the industry
- Access to online training and e-assessment- accessible 24/7 to support your training
- We are committed to delivering quality Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) as part of the holistic service that we provide.
Why Choose Your Course?
UK Training and Development offer a wide range of training courses which can be studied as an apprenticeship. So what do you want to study?
- Hairdressing
- Barbering
- Customer Service
- Business
- Team Leading
For more information on individual courses, see our full course list.
Why Choose Apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn practical skills.
Have a look at what an apprenticeship can offer you.
Apprenticeship or University?
Not sure? Have a look at Apprenticeships or University to see what people say about the choice!
Funding
In England your apprenticeship training can be fully funded by the Government. Click here to find out if you are eligible.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirement for apprenticeships vary between the roles you may be applying for. To find out more about what the requirements are navigate to the next section of the learner journey!
And if you don’t believe us …see what these students say about us…
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary for each apprenticeship, but if you don’t have the required results we can help you to gain your training place.
The best bet is to be brave and contact us – we can talk through what you will need to secure an apprenticeship job. We are here to help you succeed so will try our best to help you get the place you want.
Help with your CV
When you apply for an apprentice you will need to submit a curriculum vitae (CV). This will show all your qualifications, skills, attributes, and experience.
Don’t worry if it looks a bit slim! You are just starting out; try and make your individuality shine through.
If you need any help and guidance these sites and videos will help you.
The Guardian: School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV
How to Write a Winning Apprenticeship Application
The National Apprenticeship Service has put together a pack which will help you to write a winning application.
Applying for an Apprenticeship is easy!
Getting the Job
So, you have sent in your CV and you have had a phone call to come in for an interview… EEEK!!
Don’t panic we can help you with interview tips, what wages you will be getting, what goes on in working life, getting help etc…
The Job Interview
Well done! You have got your first job interview. We have lots of hints and tips to make sure you make the correct impression and say the right thing.
Interview hints and tips:
4 ways to calm your apprenticeship nerves
5 ways to impress during your telephone interview
What you wish you’d known before your job interview
If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback to help you next time.
But don’t be down hearted. Only one person gets appointed for each position.
Keep on Learning
If you can, keep learning new things while you are job hunting. You could try these ideas.
Volunteer
Volunteering can actually help you with your chances of getting a job. You can gain so much more experience and skills that could help you. Whatever you do – remember to put it on your CV!
Why it is good to get work experience
How can volunteering help my job hunt?
Learn Online
Try and keep your skills updated by doing online courses. There are lots of free courses you can do which will help you build your employment skills.
Study Locally
You could also look at studying at a training centre local to you. There are a huge range of courses you could choose from and also meet a whole new group of people at the same time.
Helpful interview videos
Working Life
You are now employed!
If you have never had a job before it can be a bit of a shock starting work. You need to be up early and at your place of work at the required time (don’t be late!) and cannot leave until the end of the working day. You may have to take your lunch break in a shift pattern so that the shop floor or office is not left unattended; you will be expected to complete any tasks that have been set for you.
Be curious- ask your employer why you have to do something a certain way if you are unsure. Don’t feel you must know everything on your first day- you are there to be trained, not to be the teacher!
Your First Day
It can be daunting but don’t worry… everyone had to start work for the first time once
Staying Safe at Work
Now you are in your place of work you will need to take responsibility for your actions and ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
UKTD take your welfare very seriously, therefore we will ensure you and your employer are aware of the principles of safeguarding and how to escalate a concern. Your training consultant will advise you and your employer about this. You can contact one of our designated safety officers if you have any concerns on the following numbers:
Herts, Beds, Bucks — 07875 665934
Surrey Area — 07791 617816
North West Area — 07875 665890
Or email safelearner@uktd.co.uk In the case of emergency or out of hours, you can report an incident to the Police (if immediate action is required) or contact your local area MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) for advice and guidance.
Find out more about how you can stay safe:
Hours and Wages
When an employer takes on an apprentice they must sign an apprenticeship agreement with you.
This gives details of what the employer agrees to do for you, including:
- how long the apprenticeship is for
- the training you’ll give them
- your working conditions
- the qualifications you are working towards
Apprentices usually work for 30 paid hours a week, and must do more than 16, up to a maximum of 40 hours
An employer must pay the apprentice for time spent training or studying for a relevant qualification.
They must offer apprentices the same conditions as other employees working at similar grades or in similar roles. This includes:
- paid holidays
- sick pay
- any benefits, such as childcare voucher schemes
- any support, such as coaching or mentoring
Contract
A Contract of Employment starts from your first day on the job. Your employer must give you a written contract stating all the terms and conditions of your employment within 2 months of you starting work.
Further information can be found here:
ACAS – Help & advice for employers and employees
Fixed Term Apprentice Contracts and Dismissal
Wages
An employer must pay an apprentice the national minimum wage rate for your age and role.
Transport
Do you know how you are going to get to your new job? Is it within walking distance or will you cycle, drive, need to be driven, or take public transport?
Whichever mode you think you will be using you must always allow more time for your journey, especially in winter when ice and snow and rain may slow you down, due to cancellations of public transport and difficult walking conditions.
Public Transport
Use the traveline site to help you plan any public transport journey
Google Maps are great for planning any route whether by car, public transport or walking…and you can use it on your smartphone as a Sat Nav!
Transport Passes
Some councils offer discount bus passes for students aged 16-18; check with your council:
NUS Card
As an apprentice you are also entitled to NUS Extra Card which offers discounts on travel as well as lots of other offers (including clothes!)
You can apply for it here.
Learning at work
Well done. You have started work and survived your first day!
You will now meet the staff who will help with your “on-the-job-training”. This may seem a bit daunting, but they all started the same as you. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions!
So what actually happens during your training?
Work-based Training
When you start an apprenticeship you will be learning at work.
Every day you will be learning something new. Your work-based trainer may ask you at the start of the day to perform a set task. These tasks may be part of your daily job. If you are unsure of what to do, ask!
Course Content
Check our course guides for more information.
Assessment
You will be assessed throughout your training to ensure that you can do the new skills that you have learned. But don’t worry you will have had plenty of practice before you are assessed.
During your first few weeks in your new job you will be visited by your UKTD assessor who will support you throughout your course. Your assessor is there to help you achieve your goal of gaining the qualification and to offer you any support you need throughout your course.
If you have any problems with any of your course, employment or home life, you can talk to your assessor. UKTD prides itself in offering a wide range of pastoral support for all its learners.
Online Assessment
For part of your course you will need to do some formal assessment online. But don’t worry! If using a laptop and tests aren’t your thing – tell your assessor (preferably in advance, not on the day of the test!) and they can work with you to help you practice.
Eportfolio
UKTD is very proud to be using an Eportfolio system for our students. This means that whenever you complete an assessment it is uploaded immediately to an online storage area and your work can be checked by the relevant people for your award.
You can also upload via your mobile phone so you can complete your course on the go.
Student Blog
Do you want to hear what it really is like being a UKTD Apprentice?
Read our Student blogs to find out!
Holly, Hair Stylist
“I qualified as a hairdresser after I left school and then I worked as a stylist at The Hair Studio in Shinfield. Over the next eight years I enjoyed being a hairdresser but I never felt very confident and I always asked other hairdressers what I should do as I didn’t feel able to make my own decisions.
A year ago I signed up with UK Training & Development to do the Hairdressing Level 3 Apprenticeship. I completed the course and I couldn’t believe what a difference it made to my hairdressing abilities. I couldn’t have done it without my hairdressing assessor, Bev Thomas. She really believed in me, she kept telling me I could do it and this really upped my confidence. Often when I asked Bev a question she would say to me “Think about it” and then I would realise I knew the answer myself. Bev made me use my brain a lot more and I started making my own decisions. For the first time in my hairdressing career I started working on my own and trying new things and I didn’t need to ask anyone else what to do. The more my confidence grew the more clients I was seeing. I was cramming them into the diary because I knew I could cope with a bigger work load. I was always trying new techniques and colours and my technical ability really improved.
I’ve just started my Barbering Level 3 Apprenticeship as I would like to learn more about doing mens’ hair. When I complete the barbering apprenticeship my aim is to take the TAQA course and become a hairdressing and barbering assessor as well as a stylist.
Signing up for the Hairdressing Level 3 Apprenticeship was a turning point for me and I now believe I can have a rewarding and successful career in Hairdressing.”
Orlaigh –
Having completed my level 2 Hairdressing diploma with UKTD and having enjoyed the course, I decided to carry on and better myself to complete level 3.
I am over half way through my completion of level 3. This has massively helped my career goals as I would like to continue this education and complete my TAQA with UKTD in the future.
I believe apprenticeships are a great way to learn as you gain experience from other stylists as well as having set training time on the job. It is a great way to learn as well as earning at the same time.
”
Hi My name is Hester
I have been hairdressing for 23 years and now tutoring for 3 years.
I have completed all my qualifications through apprenticeships including my level 2 hairdressing, level 3 hairdressing and teaching qualifications. For me learning on the job has been an excellent way to earn a wage for my growing family and to learn vital skills of the job roles.
I am now currently working towards my teaching degree and all the skills I have learnt in an apprenticeship are now helping me work towards a higher level qualification.
Abigail –
This job opportunity and apprenticeship has helped me out tremendously. I am training to do a job that I have always wanted to do and it has come with so many opportunities for me. I have been able to go to a hair show and improve on all of my skills. It has helped me so much, at the start I was quite shy and closed off. Now I have come out of my shell and and I am now able to book appointments, talk to new and regular clients. I love doing an apprenticeship because it is always hands on, you get really good on the job training so this has helped me work and understand thing a lot quicker.
My name is Victoria, I am currently a tutor/assessor and IQA at UKTD. I have been with UKTD for the past 7 years.
I have been a hairdresser for 26 years, early on in my training I completed L1 and 2 Hairdressing, HNC in Hairdressing and Salon Organisation and I worked as a stylist, working my way up over the years. After moving from Scotland, I managed a salon and then moved on alongside being a senior stylist I was the salon trainer. Through this I began my TAQA L3 to become a qualified Assessor, then I completed my AET, then onto my TAQA level 4 to become an IQA.
I am currently, completing my Assessor’s Coach Apprenticeship and have been doing this since April 2023. I wasn’t entirely keen to begin with, having a busy job as well as an apprenticeship can be a bit overwhelming. You need to manage your time effectively and make sure that you complete your weekly off the job hours. My employer has supported this, and this was booked out in advance in my schedule each week. This allows me to use this time to focus on what I am learning and my skills I need to develop.
This course is actually really great, I feel I have developed in many areas. I have further developed my maths and English skills, Safeguarding and IT, as well as my teaching skills and am planning to sit my IT exam in the coming weeks and I am preparing for my EPA. I have been well supported throughout this time by my tutors and given tasks to help me develop, working alongside my colleagues on some areas has been fun and inspiring to see how they do some things and what they know.
Overall, this apprenticeship I feel has helped me develop my own teaching, assessing and coaching skills. This has helped me develop my skills as a tutor to help me better support and enhance my learners’ learning experiences and brining together a wider range of skills need for my job role. This will also enhance my C.V , experience and possible future opportunities’.
Moving on
Hurrah! Your training is nearly at an end, but you need to make sure you have completed all the required assessments and units.
This is a very important time to keep talking to your assessor at UKTD and checking the online Eportfolio system to see if you have and “red” areas that may need your attention. Typically the “red” area may be a subject you are not very keen to finish, such as a maths section…but unfortunately you need to complete it all to pass your course.
So don’t put it off- if it is an area you are not happy with TALK to your assessor and employer and tell then you are concerned about a subject area.
Throughout the course you will have had learner reviews regularly and these will now be built upon and you will have a course review with your assessor and also employer.
Remember- none of this is as scary as it sounds. By now you will have a great working relationship with your employer and other staff and be able to approach your assessor with any questions.
You will have grown so much in your confidence over the past year of your training and learnt a huge amount- what feels impossible at the start of your course will, at the end feel very easy.
Career Choices
Your apprenticeship is drawing to an end… so what next?
You may have some changes you wish to make in your career path now or you may love it!
You may want to consider further study and progress to a further Apprenticeship and then enter Higher education- remember your Apprenticeship is a qualification which is recognised and not just a bunch of skills.
The choices are all yours!
Please ensure you talk to your training consultant in advance of completing your apprenticeship and they will be able to provide you with independent advise and guidance about your future options.
Here is some information about helping you choose your direction after training, including going to University
What to Do When Your Apprenticeship Ends
Can I Do a Degree After My Apprenticeship?
Moving on to uni from an Advanced Apprenticeship
Professionalism
Isn’t it exciting! You are now a qualified professional in your chosen field of study and have gained amazing practical skills. To keep you career surging forward it is important that you maintain a professional image and behaviours when in your role.
But what is “Professionalism”? The following websites will guide you through
Professionalism – How to Conduct Yourself at Work
Professionalism – Developing This Vital Characteristic
There are also Professional and industry organisations you may wish to become involved with to help you in your career depending upon your sector.
Here are some that may be of use
Hairdressing
Barbering
Business Administration
Team Leading
Customer Service
instituteofcustomerservice.com
Employment
Now you have completed your apprenticeship it is time to take your new found skills fully into the employment market.
If you are not being kept on at your present employer you may feel it is back to square one where you started your apprentice job: back to writing CV’s, cover letters, application forms, practising interviews etc.… but this time round you have an amazing qualification and an outstanding set of skills to market!
The first step is to discuss with your current employer which direction your feel you would like to go: whether it is further training or into full employment. You may find your current employer may want you to stay on with them and complete higher level training or offer you a permanent position.
If you want to move on, get your CV up to date and start your job search. A high proportion of job searches are now done online via job websites; as well as online recruitment agencies. Be warned: there is a lot of form filling (and you may wonder how many times you will have to enter the same details!) All this information is needed as recruiter will be sending out your information to a range of potential employers.
Don’t forget to ask your training consultant for independent advise completing any of the above or careers advice.
We have some websites and video tips below that may be of use in your job hunt. Good Luck!
Curriculum vitae (CV)
CVs and cover letters: How to write a CV
Online job sites
Recruitment agencies