Who has been chosen as chair of the new hair and beauty apprenticeship advisory panel?

Award-winning hair stylist Paul Edmonds has taken on the lead role for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Hair and Beauty Route Panel. As chair, he will continue pushing for high standards of technical excellence within the industry. The Route Panels brings together industry experts to discuss and agree the standards of knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in apprenticeships for every occupation in England. The Chairs lead their groups in reviewing and recommending apprenticeship standards and assessment plans and advising on funding levels on behalf of the institute. Four new apprenticeship standards have been approved for use so far for the Hair and Beauty sector. You can read more about them here. Paul owns two award-winning salons in London and has mentored other well-known stylists - including Errol Douglas and Umberto Giannini. He has also been recognised as a L’Oréal ‘Shu Uemura Art of Hair Styling Ambassador’. His involvement in the Institute’s Route Panel means his wealth of experience will feed into making apprenticeships in this area relevant and exciting for all learners. Speaking about being appointed chair, Paul Edmonds said: “I’m extremely excited to be chair for the Hair and Beauty Route Panel. I want to encourage our team to elevate standards and support young people to join a sector which is not always recognised as being highly skilled or an advanced career option. I want to bring the skills gained by apprentices to the forefront when talking about apprenticeships standards.” In his role as chair, Paul will have a big influence on the development and approval of apprenticeships for his sector. Commenting on Paul's appointment Hilary Hall, chief excutive of the National Hairdressers Federation exclusively told HJ: "We’re delighted to hear of Paul’s appointment and wish him every success in the role. His salon offers a comprehensive range of both hair and beauty services at the highest standard, so his first hand experience as an employer is very welcome. "One of the frustrations for the Trailblazer Steering Group which develops the apprenticeship standards and assessment plans has been that the views of employers have not been given enough weight. As 93% of hair and beauty businesses employ less than 10 people, it’s particularly important that small business employers are listened to as they’re typically the ones who employ apprentices and give young people up and down the country a great start to a career in hair and beauty.  It’s vital that apprenticeships and, in future, T levels meet the needs of employers and learners."