Tattoo Artist Apprenticeship · UK
Everything you need to know about the two-year tattoo artist apprenticeship — the length, the cost, the studio and how to become a tattoo artist in the UK.
This tattoo artist apprenticeship runs for two full years. It begins with a 10-day introduction to the studio environment, followed by one mandatory tutor-supervised studio day each month for the first year, and at least one apprentice tattoo artist studio day each month for the second year.
The first year is £4,400: a £2,000 payment for the 10-day introduction (due one month before your start date) plus 12 monthly supervised studio days at £200 each. Second-year studio days are £150 each. All studio supplies are provided. Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, bank transfer and Klarna pay-later are accepted.
In the UK there is no single legal licence to tattoo — but most local authorities require registration and a recognised hygiene certificate, and reputable studios expect a proper apprenticeship under an experienced artist. This programme gives you the supervised studio hours, hygiene training and portfolio you need. See our full UK guide for the steps.
No prior tattooing experience is required. The 10-day introduction is built for new artists. If you have a portfolio of drawings or paintings, bring it — but what matters most is your commitment to learning over the two years.
The studio and classroom is at 5 George Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1HR — a purpose-built training centre inside a converted pub. Because the programme runs on monthly studio days after the introduction, apprentices travel in from across the UK, including Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge, Colchester and London.
When you complete the two-year programme and the minimum required studio time, and your work reaches a high enough standard, you'll be considered for licensing and chair rental at the studio at £120 per session.
The training is in Great Yarmouth, but the monthly studio-day format makes it realistic for apprentices across England. We have dedicated location pages for Norwich, Lowestoft, Ipswich, Colchester, Cambridge, Peterborough, King's Lynn and London — and students from anywhere in the UK are welcome.
Studio days run Monday to Friday, 12pm – 7pm. The 10-day introduction runs across two consecutive weekdays, and each monthly supervised session is a single day booked and paid for one month in advance.
Call or WhatsApp 07593 676536 for a friendly chat about the apprenticeship, or book your place on the next introduction.