Tina Robinson is Global Education Sales Director at Vidal Sassoon, and an ambassador for Habia, recognised by the government as setting national standards that form the basis for UK qualifications for the hair, beauty, nails, spa and aesthetics sectors. She tells us why it’s never been more important to support the next generation of hairdressers.
The NHBF’s report for 2024 showed that the number of people taking up apprenticeships in hairdressing and barbering in the UK has fallen by 19% since 2021, and salons feel there are several barriers to taking them on – primarily cost, and level of ability.
At Vidal Sassoon we believe that education is the lifeblood of our industry and there needs to be a way to support this journey for both apprentices and salon owners. The UK has long been a champion of apprenticeship schemes, offering young professionals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop industry-recognized qualifications. In the world of hairdressing and hairstyling, Sassoon Connect stands as a vital resource, bridging the gap between traditional learning and modern digital support for apprentices.
We’re now rolling this out across the UK, launching this month into our first location, West Suffolk College. Sassoon Connect plays a crucial role in training college educators to deliver the Sassoon ABC methodology, with lecturers trained by a Sassoon Academy leader, Creative Operational Director James Greaves. By equipping teachers with this structured approach, the platform helps improve student recruitment and retention, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. This also supports the upskilling and retention of teachers, strengthening the quality of education provided in colleges. Furthermore, upon completing their studies, students earn a Sassoon Diploma, a prestigious credential that enhances their employability and opens doors to career opportunities in the hairdressing industry.
The response from both the college and local salons has been incredible, with Neil & Lisa Bell from Charlie Milz Hair & Beauty in Stowmarket saying, “This is a great step forward for the industry and local salons. Bringing Sassoon’s world-class training into West Suffolk College will give young people a much higher standard of education, making them more employable from day one. This benefits not just them but also salons like mine, ensuring we get well-trained stylists who are ready for the salon floor.”
What is Sassoon Connect?
Sassoon Connect is a learning programme designed by the world-renowned Sassoon Academy. Delivered in person with an online support resource, it serves as an educational tool that provides structured learning, technical demonstrations, and industry insights to support individuals at different stages of their careers. For apprentices, Sassoon Connect delivers a wealth of knowledge that enhances their practical training, aligning with UK apprenticeship standards and ensuring that learners receive high-quality, consistent education.
How Sassoon Connect Supports Apprenticeships in the UK
Digital Learning for Structured Training
One of the key challenges in apprenticeship schemes is ensuring that all learners receive consistent training. Sassoon Connect addresses this by offering an extensive library of educational materials, from video tutorials to interactive learning modules, enabling apprentices to reinforce their knowledge at their own pace. This digital approach complements in-salon/ in – college learning, ensuring that apprentices build a strong foundation in technique and theory.
Alignment with UK Hairdressing Apprenticeships
UK apprenticeships follow specific qualification frameworks, such as NVQs and Diplomas, which require both practical and theoretical learning. Sassoon Connect aligns with these frameworks, ensuring that learners cover essential topics such as Sassoon Cut, Sassoon Colour, Sassoon Barbering, cutting techniques, colour application, client consultation, and salon etiquette. This not only supports the structured learning required for certification but also helps apprentices meet the high standards expected in the industry. Additionally, Sassoon Connect supports the NVQ Level 2 & 3 qualifications, ensuring that learners acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required for industry recognition and career progression.
Enhancing Employer Support
Employers play a crucial role in apprenticeship success, and Sassoon Connect helps salon owners and educators deliver consistent, high-quality training. The platform allows teachers to track apprentice progress, assign relevant modules, and ensure that trainees become salon ready. By integrating Sassoon Connect into their training programs, salons can elevate their apprenticeship offerings and maintain professional excellence.
Upskilling and Career Progression
Beyond foundational training, Sassoon Connect offers continued education, allowing apprentices to progress beyond their initial qualifications. Through advanced masterclasses and specialist courses, learners can refine their expertise in precision cutting, colour mastery, and creative styling, setting them apart in a competitive industry. This ongoing learning ethos aligns with the UK’s focus on lifelong skills development and career progression within apprenticeships.
Encouraging Accessibility and Inclusivity
One of the biggest advantages of Sassoon Connect is its accessibility. By offering online resources, apprentices can engage with training materials anytime and anywhere, making education more flexible and inclusive. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have direct access to high-end training academies, ensuring that all apprentices, regardless of their location, receive equal learning opportunities.
Sassoon Connect is a game-changer for UK apprenticeship programs in the hairdressing industry. By providing structured digital learning, supporting employer-led training, and ensuring alignment with qualification frameworks, it empowers apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms like Sassoon Connect will play an essential role in shaping the next generation of hairstylists, reinforcing the UK’s reputation for excellence in apprenticeship education. We’re really keen to talk to everyone in the industry, so if you’d like to know more about Sassoon Connect or to chat more generally about education or apprentices, then we’d love to hear from you! You can message us at tinarobinson@sassoonglobal.com
https://academy.sassoon-global.com/
