I'm having a similar experience in London. I'm in the middle of an ITEC level 2 course and I've got certificates for some things as well as insurance. I've been looking into getting work experience on evenings or weekends when I finish my course. All the advertisements are asking for level 3 qualified or level 2 plus 2+ years of experience. I've even asked a local salon where I had my hair cut about the doing an internship and they replied ''Beauty is difficult, GOODBYE!''. And that was it. I'm really aiming towards working from home, but thought it would be good to get salon experience, but the options appear to be non-existant. I'd be interested in hearing how you get on since you finished your course. Good luck!