New students starting in September: You can find more information about Induction days and submitting your GCSE results in our Start of Year Guide.
Apprenticeship Standard: Hair Professional (Hairdressing)
Gain hands-on experience, expert guidance, and a recognised qualification, setting you on a path to a successful and rewarding career in the hair industry.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
This apprenticeship standard offers a comprehensive training programme for aspiring hairdressers and barbers. Over 24 months, apprentices will master essential skills such as cutting, styling, and colouring hair, as well as providing exceptional client care. The course includes both practical and theoretical learning, ensuring apprentices are well-equipped to meet industry standards. Successful completion of the apprenticeship leads to a Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals, making apprentices eligible for State Registration with the Hair Council. This apprenticeship is ideal for those passionate about the hair industry and committed to delivering high-quality services.
Apply for this course
Start date: 29/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Hands-on training
Highly experienced tutors
Develop skills in line with industry needs
Learn From Sector Experts
Gain invaluable insights and hands-on experience from industry expert tutors who bring real-world knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Their guidance will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen field.
Develop work-related skills
Enhance your practical abilities and gain hands-on experience that directly translates to the workplace. This apprenticeship course focuses on real-world applications, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of your chosen career.
Hands-on training
Gain practical experience through immersive, hands-on training that prepares you for real-world challenges. Our apprenticeship program emphasises active learning, ensuring you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in your career.
What Will I Learn?
Knowledge This apprenticeship provides learners with an in-depth understanding of industry codes of practice, quality assurance systems, and the principles of effective time and self-management. Apprentices will learn the significance of professionalism, ethics, and the importance of ongoing professional development to stay current in the field. They will gain valuable insights into client consultation techniques, including how to conduct thorough hair and scalp analysis and understand the science behind hair structure and growth. Additionally, the programme covers essential health and safety regulations, such as infection control measures and the safe use of various tools and equipment, ensuring a secure working environment.
Skills This apprenticeship develops a diverse range of practical skills crucial for a successful career in hairdressing. These include mastering advanced cutting, styling, and colouring techniques, as well as performing specialised hair and scalp treatments. Apprentices will also hone their client care skills, ensuring they can provide high standards of service and achieve client satisfaction. The programme emphasises the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, manage time efficiently, and maintain a professional appearance at all times. By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be proficient in using a variety of hairdressing tools and products, capable of delivering services within a commercially viable timeframe, and ready to meet the demands of the industry.
Behaviours Apprentices are expected to demonstrate professionalism, a passion for the industry, commitment to quality, positive attitude, teamwork, effective time management, willingness to learn, and adherence to industry standards and ethics.
Typical Duties that an Apprentice will carry out in the workplace:
- Client Preparation: Welcoming clients, preparing them for treatments, and ensuring they are comfortable.
- Shampooing and Conditioning: Washing clients’ hair and applying conditioner treatments.
- Assisting with Hair Treatments: Helping senior hairdressers with colouring, lightening, and other hair treatments.
- Hair Cutting and Styling: Performing basic haircuts and styling under supervision.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
This Apprenticeship Standard will open up a variety of rewarding career opportunities. You could become a stylist in a high-profile salon, work as a colourist, or even progress to a management role. Apprentices can also progress to the Level 3 Advanced and Creative Hair Professional Apprenticeship Standard with Truro & Penwith College.
Assessment Arrangements
The End-Point Assessment (EPA) is a crucial component of apprenticeship standards, designed to evaluate an apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) acquired during their training. The EPA typically includes a combination of practical assessments, professional discussions, and portfolio reviews, ensuring apprentices are fully prepared for their chosen career. This assessment is carried out independently by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), ensuring impartiality and fairness. Employers play a key role in confirming readiness for the EPA, supporting apprentices throughout the process to achieve successful outcomes.
EPA (End Point Assessment) methods
- Multiple Choice Knowledge Test
- Practical Skills Assessment with Questions
- Professional Discussion (Interview) underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
Entry Requirements
Grade 2 GCSE (E) in English and Maths.
Additional Information
We encourage you to observe others and practice your skills development as much as possible within the College and your work placement. Utilise these experiences and learning resources provided by the College and your employers to personally target your learning needs. In addition, we expect you to conduct your own research during set home study activities to enhance your understanding of services, products and techniques. We will also offer you opportunities to conduct this research at College with use of our learning resource center. You will be required to attend all College taught session in full uniform, with full kit ready for the delivery of the skills and services needed. Full advice will be given on these before the start of your course.
Attendance of the weekly College taught session is a mandatory requirement for this course and will make up the majority of your 20% off the job training allocation. The further required hours will be part of your in-salon work placement and are to be agreed with your employer.
Awarding Body: VTCT
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£44,931
Entry Level Salary
£12,091
Average Salary
£26,659
Annual openings in Cornwall
1
Potential Salary
£26,122
Entry Level Salary
£8,147
Average Salary
£15,301
Annual openings in Cornwall
16
Potential Salary
£26,015
Entry Level Salary
£7,655
Average Salary
£15,238
Annual openings in Cornwall
