HOB Salons Wins Ultimate Accolade for Apprentice Training

HOB Salons has proved its apprenticeship programme is not only the best in hairdressing, but across a diverse range of industries, after winning a prestigious Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC) Award.

HOB Salons was announced as SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the tenth AAC Gala Dinner, held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on 27 February.

The AAC awards ceremony, delivered in partnership with City and Guilds, attracted a record 380 nominations across the 20 categories, with 21 winners announced on the night. 

HOB Salons impressed judges with its commitment to supporting apprentices both within its own company and externally via the highly sought-after Apprenticeship Academy programme. The programme offers external training for apprentices aged 16 and over from salons across the UK. It is recognised as a trailblazer within the hairdressing industry, providing the perfect springboard for those looking for a fulfilling career in hairdressing or barbering. Now this recognition has extended beyond the hairdressing industry thanks to its AAC award.

Natasha Grossman, HOB Salon’s CEO, said: “We were winners of one of the biggest awards of the night. Thousands of people entered these awards from across the UK and from every industry within the apprenticeship sector. It feels incredible to be named winner of the SME Apprentice Employer of yhe Year. Our vision was, and still is, to have a company and an industry full of future stars. Within the company, we offer every individual a defined pathway that can take them in any direction, from an apprenticeship with us they can go on to become a qualified hairdresser with a busy clientele, enter salon management, explore creative and education opportunities, or even open their own HOB salon franchise.  

“We also offer our apprenticeship training to all external salons so that we can support our entire industry in producing the future generation of hairdressers to the highest of standards. I'm so excited to watch this grow over the forthcoming months and feel proud to be supporting our industry to ensure we have a bright and successful future.”

The HOB Academy apprenticeship programme is both work and Academy based, with learners spending four days per week at their employer’s salon and one day per week at the acclaimed HOB Apprenticeship Academy in Camden Town, London, learning both theory and practical skills. There is also the option of in-salon training from the Academy team for those unable to travel to London.

The programme, which takes between 18-24 months, is very much a partnership between HOB and the apprentice’s employer, with those completing the course awarded a Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals.