Hairdressing Level 3

So what would your prefect career provide? Lots of money, travel, creativity and the chance to run your own business at a young age and teach your skills to others? Sounds too good to be true? This is what the level three in hairdressing can offer you if you set your aims high and work hard. The NVQ level 3 is an advanced course that will equip you with more techniques, better client consultation skills and a great understanding of sales and promotion of products and services. This is the qualification that really allows you to be at your most creative. Come and take advantage of Gloucestershire College's brand new salon that's open to the general public. It's there you'll learn how to meet a customer's needs and ensure they walk away looking great and of course, happy with the service you've given them. Gloucestershire College also makes sure students from other courses get the chance to work together. Therefore you'll style the hair for the models in the fashion department and you'll work a creation for a photo shoot which will be snapped by a student photographer. Gloucestershire College also stages catwalk shows and photo shoots on location. Not only will you be part of the glamour, you'll have a professional looking portfolio to take into the workplace with you. Assessments will be conducted through practical work on paying clients as well as written assignments and tests.

You'll need the uniform, comprising a black tunic, black trousers and smart black flats. You'll need to top up your existing hairdressing kit and also need to buy stationery. In addition there will be a fee for the salon products you use as part of your course. A full list will be given to you at the beginning of the course. Also, you will get the chance to go to trade shows and exhibitions which may incur some costs. 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

If you've completed your NVQ levels 2 and key skills along with a good reference from your tutor outlining your attitude to work and exemplary attendance record then you will have a good chance of obtaining a place on the course.

This is it! You've made it as a fully qualified hairdresser and can now apply to salons as a junior stylist or even a senior stylists depending on the salons own criteria. You may also want to stay on in education and progress onto a foundation degree.

LIGHTS, CAMERA ACTION! AT COWLEY MANOR Against the backdrop of the contemporary Cotswold hotel, Cowley Manor, it was “lights, camera action” as Gloucestershire College photography and hairdressing students went on location for a fashion photo-shoot in the 55 acres of acres of parkland. The aspiring photographers were tasked with a flash project as part of their part-time advanced digital photography course and joined forces with GC hairdressing students and the local countryside manor known for its award-winning design and architecture. Hairdressing student, Kathryn Walpole said: “The beautiful Cowley Manor was the perfect location and a brilliant experience for my career to be able to get involved with professionals. I definitely wish to return.”

Please contact the Business Hub on 01452 563457 for more information