---
title: "Lush Targets Youth Unemployment With Living Wage Beauty Apprenticeship Pilot"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/lush-living-wage-beauty-apprenticeship-pilot-london-u93e3
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-06T16:43:22.416Z
modified: 2026-08-06T18:02:55.545Z
language: en-IN
---

# Lush Targets Youth Unemployment With Living Wage Beauty Apprenticeship Pilot

The ethical cosmetics retailer is launching a paid training initiative for young people to earn professional qualifications while receiving a competitive hourly wage. Partnering with Armonia, the scheme focuses on providing career pathways for those currently outside the education and labor markets.

## Key takeaways

- Lush is piloting a beauty apprenticeship program in London paying £14.80 per hour.
- The initiative targets 16-24 year olds not currently in education, employment, or training.
- Participants will earn Level 2 and Level 3 beauty therapy qualifications through training in Selby and London.
- Lush plans to expand the apprenticeship scheme across England following the initial pilot phase.

## Expanding Access to Beauty Careers

Lush has introduced a pilot apprenticeship program designed to bridge the gap between unemployment and professional certification in the beauty industry. In collaboration with the training provider Armonia, the cosmetics giant is targeting individuals aged 16 to 24 who are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This initiative seeks to dismantle barriers to entry by combining financial stability with formal education.

## Program Structure and Financial Incentives

The pilot operates across Lush spa locations in London, offering participants 30 hours of paid employment each week. Unlike traditional entry-level roles, the retailer has set the starting pay at £14.80 per hour, aligning the program with living wage standards. Apprentices will work toward obtaining nationally recognized Level 2 and Level 3 beauty therapy qualifications through a hybrid learning model.

Practical experience will be gained on-site at Lush Spas, while technical theory and specialized instruction will take place at Armonia’s training facility in Selby, Yorkshire. This dual approach ensures that trainees develop both the soft skills required for client service and the technical proficiency demanded by the industry.

## Key Facts

- The program is specifically designed for 16 to 24-year-olds categorized as NEET.
- Participants earn a starting wage of £14.80 per hour for a 30-hour work week.
- Training leads to Level 2 and Level 3 beauty therapy certifications.
- The initial rollout focuses on London spa locations with technical training in Selby.
- Lush intends to scale the initiative across England following the pilot phase.

## Why It Matters

The beauty sector currently faces significant skills shortages. By offering higher-than-average apprenticeship wages, Lush aims to attract a more diverse workforce and improve career accessibility. This investment in workforce development reflects a broader industry trend toward internal talent cultivation as a solution to labor market gaps. If the London pilot proves successful, the geographical expansion will provide a standardized entry point for aspiring therapists across the country.

Source: Global Cosmetics News

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/lush-living-wage-beauty-apprenticeship-pilot-london-u93e3
Reported from: Global Cosmetics News