Kleek Apprenticeships in Camden: free haircuts & outstanding training
May 15, 2025
A brand new hairdressing and barbering academy has landed in Camden Town and is now seeking style-conscious models and enthusiastic trainees
Together with
Kleek Apprenticeships is an England-wide hair and beauty training provider with academies in Colchester, Maidstone, Darlington, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stockton-on-Tees… and now Camden Town, too.
Renowned for an unwavering support to its apprentices, delivering a consistently outstanding training and an ability to react swiftly to every situation, all these qualities swung into action when they had just six weeks to found their latest academy right here
We spoke to Kleek’s Nicola Aviolet to find out more…
Tell us about how Kleek came to Camden, in a hurry…
When a training provider in London had its contract withdrawn, it left a large number of apprentices and their Salon employers without access to quality training in the London area, and the ability to continue their apprenticeships.
Kleek were quick to react. Within six weeks, we found suitable premises at 1a Harmood Street, fitted out a state-of-the-art academy, and employed educators and support staff.
Kleek Academy London in Camden is now home to over 100 apprentices, supporting Salons like Jo Hansford, Vidal Sassoon and Larry King. Since opening in January, apprentices have confirmed that they are enjoying far better support and training here than they received previously. Salon employers too are delighted that Kleek rose to the challenge and made the transfer of provider so seamless, and they are already seeing the results of the quality training being provided.
What can apprentices expect from training at the new Camden Town academy?
Apprentices receive high-quality training from educators who support them to reach their true potential. The Academy allows them to receive practical training that gives an edge over college learners and also makes them far more employable. Salon employers recognise the value and quality, not just of hair and beauty apprenticeships, but of training with Kleek Apprenticeships.
Hairdressing apprentice Kyah recently told us, “The hands-on practice turns every class into a mini salon adventure where I get to master new techniques with expert guidance”. Her fellow apprentice, Catrin also wrote that; “The support Kleek provide gives me so much reassurance that I will reach my end goal. The Kleek tutors really know their stuff and are so encouraging.”
It is a really friendly and nurturing place to learn and train to become a qualified hairdresser or barber.
What is it like to be a Kleek model and why do you recommend people try it?
Kleek Academy London is always on the hunt for models for its apprentices, and coming along to the Academy is no different to going to your local salon, except that you’ll be looked after by trainee stylists and their expert educators who oversee everything.
All our Academies use L’Oréal Professional products, and the apprentice stylists are matched to the correct level of service. You are always in good hands, whether you’re assigned a Level 2 or 3 apprentice to look after you when you come into the Salon.
But the best bit is that you pay a lot less than high street salons, as the stylists are in training. So it’s a win-win! We have regular special offers or specific FREE style requests – as apprentices may need a particular cut to complete their portfolio before their final exams, maybe a graduated cut or a perm. Follow and keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram @kleekacademylondon for the latest offers.
The Academy is open Monday to Wednesday 9.30am-4pm.
Offer valid until 30th August 2025 (for 1st visit) and 30th November 2025 (for 2nd visit). Full T&Cs on Kleek’s website.
What kind of community outreach are you up to in Camden in the weeks ahead?
We are loving Academy life in Camden and want to give something back, so we have teamed up with some local initiatives to fully embrace the community and provide our apprentices with enriching opportunities.
Kleek Academy London has partnered up with Local Origin Housing in aid of mental health awareness week this year, offering free cut and blow-dries for those aged 18 to 26. This is to encourage more local young people to come and give us a try, meet new people and support our apprentices.
We’ve also set up a Kleek Coffee and Cuts morning for the Third Age Project (TAP). This is aimed at the elderly that are lonely and isolated. We are working closely with Camden Council for this to become a regular group activity and a safe space for a chat and a slice of cake, since who doesn’t love a natter and a sweet treat!?
Hairdressing/barbering seems to be one vocation that won’t be disrupted by AI (at least for a very long time, if ever, as people will always prefer the human touch) – how does Kleek see the future of the profession evolving in the AI era?
I think the jury is out on that at the moment. There are robot examples already that cut hair, but with what kind of results we’re not so sure! It’s not a profession that Bill Gates recently said would be safe from AI, but it is one of the oldest professions in the world, so we’re sure it will survive in some form.
Trends and styles change over time and new technologies and new inventions will always result in change, so we’ll see what the future holds. As with the initial response to driverless cars, we think individuals will remain cautious about robots wieldiing scissors for a long time to come.
What has been most fun, and also the biggest challenge, of operating in the heart of full-on Camden? How are the personalities different from other parts of the country?
It’s great to be here in the hustle and bustle of Camden Town. It’s a super vibrant location, with a great mix of a local community and tourism. The apprentices enjoy training in the area as there’s so much going on, to see and do, plus obviously you can try all kinds of different cuisines at lunchtime and check out the Market for shopping, too. Our apprentices get asked to do all kinds of different haircuts and colours here, which is brilliant as it helps them grow, build their portfolios and expand their creative ideas and talents.
Whilst all are different in their settings, our Academies deliver the same high-quality Ofsted Outstanding training to each and every apprentice that comes through their doors, and the best hairdressing services to all that use their services.
Having got the new Academy up and running in six weeks, our next goal is getting our hairdressing and barbering name out to local residents. We really are a great place to come for a haircut, blow-dry or colour, both mens and womens, so we hope to see you soon.
Kleek Academy London is at 1a Harmood Street, NW1 8DN
Tel: 0203 337 9393 More info via the website
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