Hairdressing Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3

Hairdressing is worth at least £2.6 billion to the UK economy which is nota bad figure to gain a slice of. If you are working in a salon and want to gain industry standard skills then you can with a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship. This course is ideal for people who want to combine working in the industry with learning. Gloucestershire College's experienced lecturers will follow you into your workplace to assess your skills. You'll be expected to come into the college to add to your knowledge but the majority of your time will be spent in the workplace with assessments taking place in both College and the Salon. But thanks to the great facilities at the college, you will think you're in your place of work because of the real salon set-up the college has re-created. During the course, which has been designed with the help of professionals in the industry, you'll be taught creative hair cutting, colour correcting services, safety control procedures as well as sales and promotion skills. The qualification is made up of an NVQ level 3 in Hairdressing, and key skills in communication and application of numbers. You'll be assessed using a combination of practical work on paying clients along with online testing at the end of each module. Off-site photoshoots and catwalk shows will also be assessed.

You’ll need to top up your hairdressing kit, buy a uniform that consists of a black tunic, black trousers and flat black shoes and also stationery. You will also need to pay for tickets to trade shows and exhibitions which happen throughout the year.

The course is designed to suit somebody who wants to enrol onto the advanced apprenticeship course immediately or someone who is currently a stylist at a salon. To achieve the apprenticeship, students will need to have completed the full framework, which consists of the NVQ level 2 in hairdressing, and key skills in communication and application of numbers at level 2. Some learners may be exempt from key skills depending on their GCSE results.

Once you've successfully completed the course, you'll be qualified to take on additional responsibilities in the salon or you could further your training and enrol onto a foundation degree in Spa or Salon Management. There is also the opportunity to work in different industries such as media, stage and television. INDUSTRY INFORMATION Hours You would usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am and 6pm. This would usually include Saturdays with a day off in the week. Some salons open late on one or two evenings during the week. Part-time work is often available. You could also work freelance, either renting space within a salon or visiting customers in their own homes. Income Pay for trainee hairdressers is likely to be based around the National Minimum Wage. This will vary depending on age. Visit the GOV.UK website for details of the National Minimum Wage. Fully-trained hairdressers can earn between £14,000 and £20,000 a year. Top professional hairdressers can earn £30,000 a year or more, depending on who they work for and the salon location. Figures are intended as a guideline only. Skills and knowledge To become a hairdresser, you will need to have: good practical skills creativity customer service and 'people' skills an understanding and tactful approach an awareness of fashion willingness to learn new techniques and methods an awareness of health and safety issues. More information Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) www.habia.org Freelance Hair and Beauty Federation (FHBF) www.fhbf.org.uk The Hairdressing and Barbering industry - Facts There are over 36,000 salons in the UK employing over 200,000 staff, with a turnover in excess of £4.2 billion. Figures taken from www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

GC - APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR 2012-2013 Gloucestershire College was awarded Apprenticership Training Provider of the Year in recognition of the work the College does with the local business community working with over 1,000 apprentices in Gloucestershire. GC Hairdressing apprentices work in leading local salons such as Stuart Holmes Hair and Beauty, Blushes and Paco Delgado.

Please contact the Business Hub on 01452 563457 for more information