Hairdressing and Barbering NVQ Level 1 Certificate

This course is for school leavers who wish to prepare to train as a hairdresser. Learning in our commercial salon you will start to develop the basics of hairdressing. Apart from learning basic principles of Health and Safety, professional salon behaviour, reception roles and customer care, you will work on your personal presentation and effective communication skills. We will teach you the techniques needed to provide mini salon treatments including shampooing and blow drying. All this experience puts you in a great position to progress to the next level.

You will gain an understanding of the basic principles of Health and Safety, salon etiquette and decorum, and professional behaviour to develop communication skills, working with others and team building. You will develop your work skills and learn how to manage reception, work with clients and colleagues, telephone skills, personal presentation, taking messages, making bookings, calculating money. In addition you will learn how to prepare work areas and provide mini salon treatments which include manicure, pedicure and facial treatments. Whilst studying this course you will learn some of the essentials in beauty therapy and what it is like to work in the industry. You will study skin care and make-up during your first year. You will further develop your English Maths and ICT skills to help you to complete your course work and prepare for further study or employment.

You will have the opportunity to work in the college salons, supporting other students and dealing with clients in a real commercial environment.

Successful completion will allow you to progress to Level 2, but if this is not the route for you the employability skills you have gained will stand you in good stead for progression into employment in another area. This is a lively curriculum area and you will be taught by experienced staff - with typically 98-100% of students achieving the qualification. Successful completion will allow you to progress to Level 3 or to find employment in another field using the transferable skills you have gained on the course. You will learn good workplace and professional skills including attendance and punctuality as per employment standards.

You need to be presentable, creative and complete a successful interview where you demonstrate your interest in hairdressing. We ask for a school report to accompany your application form. You will need to buy essential equipment for this course.

You can progress to further study at Level 2 in hairdressing, complementary therapy or beauty therapy, or seek employment and continue your training part-time.