Apprenticeship Β· earn while you train Β· live UK standard from the careers engine
Apprenticeship

Hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics technician

Level
3
Advanced Β· like A-levels
Length
2 yrs
typical
Sector
Creative and design
Pay
Paid
you earn while training

In a nutshell

Uphold a high standard of hygiene and technical application for productions/performances across a range of artists, periods and cultures.

What you'd do

Prepare and dress wigs for actors and performers
Apply character, ageing, and special effects make-up
Fit and maintain prosthetic pieces during productions
Manage continuity records for hair and make-up across scenes
Maintain and clean tools, wigs, and equipment hygienically
Collaborate with costume and lighting departments
Research period styles and gather references for new productions

What you'd learn

Wig making - blocking, knotting, and dressing period and modern styles
Special effects and character make-up application techniques
Prosthetic manufacture and application using silicone and foam latex
Skin preparation, hygiene, and health and safety standards
Interpreting scripts, briefs, and director notes
Continuity management across shoots and performances
Materials knowledge - adhesives, make-up formulas, and hair products
Ready to look for a place?
See live Hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics technician apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.
Find vacancies
A Careermash concept Β· apprenticeship standard from our careers engine Β· vacancies via gov.uk.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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