September 2025 cohort now enrolling — government-funded training for eligible learners. Apply today

ESFA-Registered Training Provider

Professional Hair
& Beauty
Apprenticeships

Government-funded programmes delivered in real salon environments across Bedfordshire and the East of England. Three pathways, three nationally recognised qualifications, one specialist provider.

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UKPRN

10048792

Established

2003

RoATP Listed

Funding

100% Government

Current Programmes Enrolling Now

Hair Professional

Level 2 · ST0045 · 18 months

Advanced Creative Hair

Level 3 · ST0014 · 18 months

Barbering Professional

Level 2 · ST0043 · 18 months

96%

Completion Rate

200+

Learners Trained

Standards Offered

Regulated, accredited and recognised by

ESFAFunding Authority

IfATEStandards Body

OfstedInspection

City & GuildsAwarding Body

VTCT / NCFEAwarding Body

HABIASector Skills

RoATPMain Provider

96%

Apprenticeship completion rate
2023–24 academic year

200+

Learners trained since
programme launch

20+

Partner salons across
Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

100%

Government-funded — no
tuition cost to eligible learners

Professional hairdressing in a modern salon

20+

Years delivering
vocational education

RoATP

Main Provider

About PLUMS Limited

Raising standards in
hair education since 2003

PLUMS Limited was founded with a clear purpose: to develop skilled, work-ready professionals for the British hair and beauty industry. Incorporated in England and Wales (Company No. 03836202), we have spent over two decades refining a delivery model that combines in-salon practical training with robust off-the-job learning.

As a Main Provider on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP), we are contracted directly with the ESFA to deliver fully funded apprenticeships. Every programme leads to qualifications awarded by City & Guilds or VTCT / NCFE, both regulated by Ofqual.

Dedicated Skills Coach assigned to every learner from day one
EPA preparation embedded throughout programme delivery
Employer engagement reviews every 12 weeks minimum
Functional Skills support in English and maths throughout

About PLUMS Limited Our Programmes

Apprenticeship Programmes

Three pathways. One industry.

All programmes are fully government-funded for eligible learners. Delivered in your salon with structured off-the-job training and a dedicated Skills Coach.

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Hair Professional

ST0045 · Ofqual-regulated

The foundation pathway for aspiring stylists. Cutting, colouring, chemical treatments and client consultation across a range of hair types.

18 monthsDuration

£6,000ESFA Band

Age 16+Entry

View Full Programme

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Advanced Creative Hair Professional

ST0014 · Ofqual-regulated

For experienced stylists ready to specialise. Complex colour techniques, hair extensions, creative styling and salon management.

18 monthsDuration

£9,000ESFA Band

L2 QualifiedEntry

View Full Programme

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Barbering Professional

ST0043 · Ofqual-regulated

Precision cutting, clipper work, skin fades, wet shaving and traditional barbering within a registered barbershop environment.

18 monthsDuration

£6,000ESFA Band

Age 16+Entry

View Full Programme

View All Programmes & Entry Requirements

Why Choose Us

Built for the hair industry

We are a specialist provider. Every aspect of our delivery is developed specifically for hairdressing and barbering professionals.

Fully Government-Funded

Eligible learners aged 16–18 pay nothing. Employers with a wage bill under £3m contribute just 5% for learners aged 19+. No hidden fees.

Industry-Recognised Qualifications

All programmes lead to Ofqual-regulated qualifications from City & Guilds or VTCT / NCFE — the most recognised awarding bodies in British hair.

Dedicated Skills Coach

Every learner is assigned a qualified Skills Coach with active industry experience. Visits at a minimum of every four weeks throughout the programme.

EPA Preparation Built In

End-point assessment preparation is embedded from month one. Mock assessments, portfolio workshops and gateway readiness checks are standard.

Flexible Off-the-Job Delivery

Blended model — in-salon coaching, structured workshops and online modules — minimising disruption to salon operations.

Learner Support Throughout

Functional Skills, mental health support, additional learning needs and financial guidance — all in place from enrolment onwards.

Learner & Employer Voices

From the people we work with

Learner Testimonial

"I was working in a cafe with no clear career path. A friend mentioned PLUMS and I applied on a Tuesday — by Friday I had a Skills Coach visiting me at the salon. The support throughout was exceptional. I passed my EPA at Merit and have since been promoted to senior stylist."

Jade Thompson

Hair Professional Apprentice, 2023 — Luton

Employer Partner

"We have taken on three PLUMS apprentices over the past two years and all three completed and stayed with us. The Skills Coach knows the hair industry from the inside, the paperwork is handled professionally, and the quality of learners is consistently high."

Sarah Blackwell

Salon Director, Studio B — Bedford

Learner Testimonial

"I completed the Level 2 Barbering and went straight into Level 3. Having the same Skills Coach across both made a real difference. My EPA was assessed by VTCT and I achieved a Distinction."

Aryan Rashid

Barbering Apprentice, 2024 — Dunstable

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