With rising demand for dog grooming services and increasing pressure on staffing, some salon owners may be looking at recruitment options and asking: is a dog grooming apprenticeship worth it for employers?
Apprenticeships require time and commitment, so it’s completely reasonable to want to understand the return on investment before getting started. This article looks at the real benefits, common concerns, and why more grooming businesses are choosing dog grooming apprenticeships as a recruitment solution.
What employers need to weigh up
When considering a dog grooming apprenticeship, most employers think about the time needed to support training, cost and wages, impact on productivity, and whether the apprentice will stay long term. The value of an apprenticeship lies in how well it balances these concerns with sustainable skills development and business growth.
The business case for dog grooming apprenticeships
1. You train a dog groomer that meets the needs of your salon
One of the biggest advantages of a dog grooming apprenticeship is that training happens in your salon, not in isolation. With a Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship, apprentices learn:
- Core grooming skills in real working conditions
- Your standards, routines, and expectations
- Professional behaviours alongside technical ability
Rather than retraining someone later, you develop a dog groomer who grows into your business from day one.
2. Apprentices can help address staff shortages in your dog grooming salon
Experienced groomers can be difficult to recruit, and competition for staff can be costly. Apprenticeships allow you to grow your own dog groomers, reduce reliance on external recruitment, and plan for future capacity rather than reacting to gaps. Over time, apprentices become confident, capable dog groomers who support day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
3. Apprenticeships support staff loyalty and retention
Employers who invest in training often see stronger commitment in return. Apprentices often stay with the business that trained them and progress internally rather than move on. For many employers, this improved retention alone makes a dog grooming apprenticeship worth it.
What about the time commitment?
It’s true that apprentices need support, especially at the beginning. However, apprenticeships are designed to be realistic for small and independent businesses.
Key points to remember:
- Formal learning and assessment are delivered by the training provider
- Off-the-job training can be wide-ranging and often workplace-based
- Apprentices contribute productively as their skills develop
With the right structure, the time invested early on pays off significantly as the apprentice becomes more confident and capable.
Is it cost-effective?
Apprenticeships can be a cost-effective recruitment option for many employers because:
- Government funding may be available to help cover the costs of apprenticeship training
- Employers may be eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment if they take on an apprentice aged under 19
- The national minimum wage for apprentices is currently just £7.55 per hour (April 2025)
- Free recruitment support is available from CAW if you’re looking to take on someone new
Training providers can also help employers understand funding, wages, and eligibility so there are no surprises.
What support do employers get?
One of the most common misconceptions is that employers must manage everything themselves. In reality, working with an experienced provider such as The College of Animal Welfare means employers receive support with:
- Assessing whether a dog grooming apprenticeship is right for their business
- Recruitment (including advertising and screening candidates)
- Structuring off-the-job training
- Paperwork, compliance, and progress tracking
This support significantly reduces the administrative burden for employers.
When might an apprenticeship not be the right fit?
An apprenticeship may not be suitable if you cannot offer a genuine role with time to support learning, or you’re looking for immediate, fully independent capacity.
That said, many dog groomers who initially doubt their readiness find that, with provider support, a dog grooming apprenticeship is far more achievable than expected. If you’re interested in apprenticeships but not sure whether they’re right for your business, request a call back here and we can advise you on your options.
So, is a dog grooming apprenticeship worth it for employers?
For employers looking to build skills sustainably and reduce recruitment challenges, a Dog Groomer Level 2 Apprenticeship offers a structured, supported route to developing capable groomers who grow alongside your business – making it a worthwhile investment for many salons. If you’re considering whether an apprenticeship is worth it for your salon, the best next step is to request a call back to discuss what support is available and how the programme could work in practice.
Ready to get started with dog grooming apprenticeships?
At The College of Animal Welfare, we deliver the Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship as a work-based course with online learning – perfect for both newcomers to the dog grooming industry, as well as current members of your team who wish to undertake a formal dog grooming course.
This apprenticeship is available anywhere in England, and is a practical option to develop skills within your business. Plus, there are clear benefits for employers:
- Apprentices can start at any time and train in your workplace.
- Apprentices can be full or part-time.
- The apprenticeship is employer-designed and focuses on practical grooming skills and knowledge.
- Experienced dog grooming tutors provide ongoing support to both you and your apprentice.
- No college attendance required – instead, your apprentice attends one afternoon per week of online lessons, and will have an allocated tutor to support them.
- We have over 10 years’ experience delivering dog grooming training and supporting employers, with tried and tested methods of course delivery and student support.
If you’re new to apprenticeships and wondering how they can work for your business, you can download our FREE Employer Guide to Apprenticeships here.
Alternatively, if you would like have an informal chat with our team about your options, you can request a call back here.
Find out more about the Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship here.