Hairdressing NVQ level 2

The secret to being a great hairdresser is practice, practice, practice - and of course being taught new ideas and techniques. If you've just completed the NVQ level 1 in Hairdressing, the NVQ level 2 will take you to new heights. At Gloucestershire College our experienced team of lecturers will teach you consultation skills, shampoo and conditioning, basic cutting, perming, colouring and setting and dressing the hair. But the hairdressing business is not all about hair. You'll learn about health and safety issues concerning you and your customer, promotion and sales and of course, how to give the customer what they want. This is an opportunity to get involved and showcase your work at internal and external competitions. Many past students have won both national and international prizes as well as had their work featured in top magazines. Hairdressing is a vocational career, therefore there's no better way of learning the skills than a vocational qualification. Additional shorter qualifications are also included in this course to improve your written and spoken communication skills and your application of numeracy which are seen as a vital element of the hairdressing industry. And because of the great facilities at the college, you'll be able to walk right into a job and know exactly what you're doing. The amazing salon situated in the College will be your place of learning, but also your place of work, as your customers are paying members of the public. The qualification is based on continuous training and assessment or practical skills, with supportive evidence in the form of either online testing or written evidence of end of module tests and assignment writing.

You will need to buy a hairdressing kit which costs approximately £250, salon products for approximately £65 and a tunic for approximately £25 and details will be given to you prior to the start of the course. You may also need to pay for trips to exhibitions and shows occasionally during the course. 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

To be considered for the course, you must successfully complete NVQ level 1 in Hairdressing or have at least a GCSE grade A* to C in English Language.

Once you've successfully completed the course, you could apply for a job in a hairdressing salon as a junior stylist or apprentice. Alternatively, you can continue your learning by enrolling onto the NVQ level 3 in Hairdressing. It is recommended that immediate progression is made to level 3, which will allow you to become more highly skilled and be employed at a higher level. If you are progressing from the level 2 in Hairdressing, you will need to have successfully completed your NVQ and Key Skills, along with a reference from your current tutor to demonstrate a high level of attendance and attitude to work and meeting targets.

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 College on 0845 155 2020 for further details