Finding skilled dog groomers for your salon isn’t always easy, and recruiting them can quickly become expensive. As such, for many dog grooming salon owners, taking on an apprentice could be a smart way to build a reliable, well-trained dog groomer whilst running their business.
If you’ve never employed a dog grooming apprentice before, getting started can feel daunting. However, with the right training provider, you’ll be supported throughout the process with clear guidance. This article breaks it down into clear, manageable steps, from choosing a provider to successfully onboarding your first dog grooming apprentice.
Step 1: Understand what a dog grooming apprenticeship involves
A dog grooming apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with formal learning, meaning apprentices earn while they learn and develop skills tailored to your salon. With a Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship, apprentices typically learn:
- Safe dog handling and welfare
- Bathing, drying, and coat preparation
- Breed-specific grooming techniques
- Salon hygiene and health & safety
- Customer service and professionalism
The training is delivered by an approved provider alongside day-to-day work in your dog grooming business, giving you confidence that standards are met consistently.
Step 2: Choose a dog grooming apprenticeship provider
For most dog grooming businesses, the first step is choosing the right apprenticeship training provider. A good provider will:
- Explain how dog grooming apprenticeships work
- Check your funding eligibility (many dog groomers can access government funding and financial incentives to help cover the costs of apprenticeship training)
- Support you with paperwork and compliance
- Guide you through recruiting and onboarding your dog grooming apprentice
This is especially helpful if you’re hiring an apprentice for the first time, as it removes much of the admin and uncertainty from the process.
Your training provider plays a big role in the success of your apprentice. Look for providers with experience in animal care and dog grooming, clear communication with employers, structured assessments and workplace support, and alignment with recognised industry standards.
Step 3: Write a job advertisement for a dog grooming apprentice
Clear, well-written adverts help applicants understand what the role involves, what they will learn, and what kind of person you’re looking for. This is especially important when recruiting an apprentice who may be completely new to the world of dog grooming.
In your job listing, you should include:
- Job title: Dog Grooming Apprentice (Level 2)
- Key duties: Assisting dog groomers, preparing dogs, cleaning workstations, supporting customer care
- Personal qualities: Love of animals, patience, willingness to learn, reliability
- Training provided: On-the-job experience plus a recognised Level 2 dog grooming apprenticeship
- Progression: Opportunity to become a qualified dog groomer
If you’re unsure where to start, you don’t have to do it alone. Many apprenticeship training providers, such as The College of Animal Welfare, offer recruitment support as part of the process, helping you create an advert that appeals to motivated candidates while meeting apprenticeship requirements.
Already got a candidate in mind?
If you already have someone in mind, such as an existing staff member, you may not need to advertise at all.
Dog grooming apprenticeships aren’t just for brand-new hires. In many cases, they can be used to upskill existing staff, as long the individual is gaining substantial new knowledge and skills through the apprenticeship. This can be an ideal option if you have:
- A reliable team member showing strong potential
- Someone keen to progress into a dog grooming role
- A staff member who would benefit from structured, formal dog grooming training
In this case, a dog grooming apprenticeship allows you to invest in that person’s development while continuing day-to-day work in your salon, rather than starting the recruitment process from scratch.
Your training provider will be able to assess whether the role and candidate are suitable and advise on eligibility, funding, and next steps. If you’re unsure whether your existing staff member could be enrolled onto the Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship, request a call back here and we would be happy to advise you.
Step 4: Advertise and shortlist candidates
You can advertise your dog grooming apprenticeship vacancy through a range of channels. Common options include:
- Thegovernment apprenticeship vacancy service, which is specifically designed to promote apprenticeship roles to people actively looking for training and employment
- Your social media channels
- Local colleges or training providers
- Word-of-mouth and local community groups
When shortlisting, look beyond academic grades. The best apprentices often stand out through genuine enthusiasm for dogs, good communication skills, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude to learning.
Many training providers will support you with advertising. At The College of Animal Welfare, we can advertise your vacancy for free and even screen candidates for you if you wish.
Step 5: Interview with potential in mind
Apprentices may be nervous in interview, so keep things relaxed and focus on potential rather than polish. You could ask questions such as:
- Why do you want to work in dog grooming?
- How do you feel about handling different breeds and temperaments?
- What do you hope to achieve from a dog grooming apprenticeship?
- Are you comfortable with physical work and standing for long periods?
You could also invite candidates for a short salon visit to see how they interact with dogs and your team.
Step 6: Welcome your dog grooming apprentice
Once you have chosen your apprentice and the paperwork and contracts are signed, your apprentice is ready to start. A positive start makes all the difference when it comes to helping an apprentice settle in, build confidence, and develop good habits from day one.
For some apprentices, this may be their first job or their first experience working in a professional dog grooming environment, so clear guidance and reassurance early on are key. Onboarding tips:
- Introduce them to your dog grooming routines and salon values
- Set clear expectations for timekeeping and conduct
- Assign a mentor or experienced groomer for support
- Schedule regular check-ins during the first few months
Remember: apprentices are learning, so patience and structure help them thrive faster.
Ready to recruit a dog grooming apprentice?
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 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.
- Government funding is available, and you may be eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment if you take on an apprentice aged under 19.
- The national minimum wage for apprentices is just £7.55 per hour (April 2025)
- We can help you recruit, screen candidates and even arrange interviews if you want to recruit a new apprentice – all for free!
- 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.