Young apprenciceship programme in hairdressing
Venue/provider: West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth
Who is this course for?
This two year programme provides able and well-motivated learners with the opportunity to develop job specific skills through the experience of real work whilst studying approved nationally recognised qualifications. You should have an interest in hair and beauty and want to work in the industry. You should want to work with people, in a team and in an adult environment, enjoy hands-on practical activities and learning and using new skills. The YA programme provides a work-based learning programme and the opportunity to learn high-level practical skills and technical knowledge required by the industry. This is a challenging Level 2 course which will prepare you for future career roles such as:
Beauty therapy
Nail and spa therapy
Salon management
Fashion shows
Film and theatre
Specialist technician
Sales rep
Salon demonstrator
Hair stylist
Where will I study?
The course will involve you studying one-day per week (Tuesday in Year 10 and Thursday in Year 11) in the hairdressing salon at West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth. These are professional salons, taking clients on an appointment basis from the general public, so you will be expected to present yourself professionally, wear the appropriate clothing just like a trainee in a commercial salon. In addition, as part of the course you will be required to spend the equivalent of 50 days of work experience with employers in this industry.
What will I study, what qualifications will I gain and how will I be assessed?
The VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing (500/1735/4) will be the main course of study and is equivalent to three GCSEs. This qualification is designed for candidates who wish to work in the hairdressing industry and will provide the practial skills necessary to progress onto an NVQ level 2 which is the miniumu requirement to practice as a professional hairdresser. You will study nine units:
Unit 1 - Promote a professional approach and appearance
Unit 2 - Support health and safety in the salon
Unit 3 - Provide hair consultation services
Unit 4 - Shampoo and condition the hair
Unit 5 - Set and dry the hair
Unit 6 - Blow-dry the hair
Unit 7 - Cut women's hair
Unit 8 - Colour the hair
Unit 9 - Permanently curl and wave the hair
Assessment is achieved through a portfolio of assignments and practical activity completed to an acceptable and national standard. You will also have the opportunity to achieve other qualifications related to the hairdressing industry including:
BSC - Certificate in Health & Safety at Work - Ref No: 100/5013/9
WRL Qualifications and Awards - EdExcel WorkSkills
Other qualifications / awards recommended by the relevant Sector Skills Council - Beauty units
and if successful you will end up with the equivalent of 4 GCSE A* to C grades.
Next step
Hairdressers provide treatments and services to people of all ages, social and ethnic background, occupations and gender. Thsi means that alongside creativty and dexterity, communication skills are extremely important for this industyry. Hairdressers need to be able to learn and apply basic scientific principles and have a high degree of physical stamina. The hairdressing industry also requries people who are able to progress to management positions, teaching and training and those that have a desire to own their own business. Hairdressing can provide a career for life. The Young Apprenticeship programme in Hairdressing will put you in an excellent position to gain a full apprenticeship and to study for an NVQ Level 2. Your Connexions PA at school will be able to help you with your next step.
For further information contact:
Gareth Jones
Email: gareth.jones@hounslow.gov.uk
Suzanne Langton-Sanchez
Email: suzanne.langton@west-thames.ac.uk