The content of these Pathways have been agreed by SkillsActive Habia. These are the only apprenticeship Pathways in the Hair & Beauty sector approved for use in Wales that are eligible for Welsh Government funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Hairdressing is 82 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Hairdressing is 86 credits
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Hairdressing – Senior Practitioner / Senior Stylist is 80 credits
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Hairdressing – Salon Manager – Director is 80 credits
Entry requirements
There are no nationally agreed minimum entry requirements or previous experience requirements, but the following selection criteria may be used as guidance.
Because the industry has high client expectations and relies on repeat business importance is given to:
- Appropriate personal presentation including clothing, hair and personal hygiene.
- Practical, organisational and social skills.
- Attention to detail and cleanliness.
- A good sense of humour/amicable nature and communication skills whether dealing face to face with clients or speaking on the telephone.
- Willingness to work flexible hours/days as agreed in the employment contract.
- A high degree of dexterity and coordination.
- Potential apprentices with a predisposition to certain skin conditions or allergies, such as occupational dermatitis, eczema or asthma, need to understand that some of the chemicals, liquids and aerosols used in hairdressing may have significant effects on their health.
- Colour blindness would restrict opportunities in the wide use of artificial colouring products and services in the industry. Units relating to colouring hair require the ability to recognise very subtle tones, shades and changes in a range of colours to ensure the safe and effective use of the chemicals used on hair.
Apprentices must always be interviewed by their potential employer and learning provider.
They may deem enthusiasm and passion for the subject to be more important than formal qualifications. It is for this reason that the Hair and Beauty Sector has chosen not to be overly prescriptive about entry requirements.
It is advantageous to have had previous experience of working within the Beauty Therapy, barbering or hairdressing industry.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Hairdressing
Level 2: Hairdressing Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualifications below.
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0711/3 601/5696/X | 64 | 640 | Combined | English Only |
| VTCT | C00/0710/1 601/5886/4 | 64 | 640 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Hairdressing | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Hairdressing | 349 | 472 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
64 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing
The total amount of training hours for a typical learner, including both on and off-the-job training is 821 hours.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Hairdressing
Level 3: Hairdressing Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualifications below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0711/5 601/5697/1 | 68 | 680 | Combined | English Only |
| VTCT | C00/0710/3 601/5889/X | 68 | 680 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Hairdressing | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Hairdressing | 338 | 463 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
68 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing
The total amount of training hours for a typical learner, including both on and off-the-job training is 801 hours.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 4: Hairdressing - Senior Practitioner/Senior Stylist
Level 4: Hairdressing - Senior Practitioner/Senior Stylist Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.
| Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Techniques and Management Practice in Hairdressing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/0765/5 601/8341/X | 68 | 680 | Combined | English Only |
Please see Annex 3 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 4: Hairdressing - Senior Practitioner/Senior Stylist | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4: Hairdressing - Senior Practitioner/Senior Stylist | 400 | 470 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Techniques and Management Practice in Hairdressing – 68 credits
The total training hours for this pathway is set at 870 training hours
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 4: Hairdressing - Salon Manager – Director
Level 4: Hairdressing - Salon Manager – Director Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.
| Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Techniques and Management Practice in Hairdressing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/0765/5 601/8341/X | 68 | 680 | Combined | English Only |
Please see Annex 4 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 4: Hairdressing - Salon Manager – Director | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4: Hairdressing - Salon Manager – Director | 430 | 440 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Techniques and Management Practice in Hairdressing – 68 credits
The total training hours for this pathway is set at 870 training hours
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Other additional requirements
None
Progression
Level 2 - Hairdressing
Progression into:
- From a preparation for work, non-competency based qualification in hairdressing or barbering.
- From the Foundation or Intermediate Level Welsh Baccalaureate Principal Learning in Hair and Beauty Studies.
- Following a Level 1 Hairdressing or Barbering programme.
- Direct entry from school or college.
- Direct entry from another occupation.
Progression from:
- To the Advanced Level Welsh Baccalaureate Principal Learning in Hair and Beauty Studies.
- To the Level 3 Hairdressing or Barbering Apprenticeship.
- Into employment as a junior stylist or other job role within hairdressing related industries.
Level 3 - Hairdressing
Routes into:
- From a preparation for work, non-competency based qualification in hairdressing.
- From the Advanced Level Welsh Baccalaureate qualification Principal Learning in Hair and Beauty Studies.
- Following the completion of Level 2 qualification in Hairdressing via either an apprenticeship or full time college based programme.
Routes from:
- Into employment as a hairdresser or other job roles in the hairdressing related industries.
- Into the Higher Apprenticeship in Hairdressing
- Into higher education such as a Foundation degree in Hairdressing and Salon Management or other programmes.
Level 4 - Hairdressing
Progression into:
There are no pre-defined entry routes, however learners wishing to progress into this apprenticeship programme could come from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of qualifications or equivalent experience but definitely a passion for working in the sector.
Learners might be already working in a level 3 hairdressing role and wish to progress their career into senior roles and /or management work, or to further develop their understanding and practice in the sector in order to enhance the services offered.
They may also be recruited from related sectors in Barbering at level 3.
Progression from:
Learners may wish to progress from their apprenticeship through a variety of routes.
Learners can progress with a promotion within salons, either within salon groups or new employers. They can also get involved in franchising, and becoming employers themselves.
On completion of this pathway, learners can also progress with their studies to higher level hairdressing management qualifications.
Others will gain creative confidence working on stage and in training or gain employment as a salon manager, a creative director, a salon assessor or team leader.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
Apprenticeships in the sector aim to promote diversity, equal opportunity and inclusion by offering a high quality learning experience.
The delivery of the Apprenticeship must be in a setting free from prejudice and discrimination where all learners can contribute fully and freely and feel valued.
Employers/providers must be able to demonstrate their selection, recruitment and employment practices are in line with the Equality Act 2010 and there are no overt or covert discriminatory practices in relation to any of the protected characteristics.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider / Employer to ensure that the requirements of this Pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government
Annex 1 Level 2: Hairdressing
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
A Foundation Apprenticeship pathway must identify:
The information below refers to the combined qualifications listed in B1 Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing (B1a, B1b and B1c) and will ensure that the qualification carries 10 credits for each element.
To achieve the full qualification candidates must complete 7 mandatory units totalling 55 credits and optional units to a minimum of 9 credits in order to give an overall total of 64 credits. The credit split between knowledge and competence is shown in the structure below:
MANDATORY UNITS
- CH1 Style and Finish Hair 6 Credits (knowledge 3 competence 3)
- CH2 Set and dress hair 7 Credits (knowledge 4 competence 3)
- CH3 Cut hair using basic techniques 12 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 7)
- CH4 Colour and lighten hair 14 Credits (knowledge 9 competence 5)
- CHB9 Advise and consult with clients 8 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 3)
- CHB11 Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp 5 Credits (knowledge 2 competence 3)
- CHB12 Develop and maintain your effectiveness at work 3 Credits (knowledge 1 competence 2)
OPTIONAL UNITS
- AH2 Relax hair 9 Credits (Knowledge 5 competence 4)
- CH5 Perm and neutralise hair 10 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 5)
- CH6 Plait and twist hair 5 Credits (knowledge 3 competence 2)
- CH7 Temporarily attach hair to enhance a style 3 Credits (knowledge 1 competence 2)
- CHB8 Remove hair extensions 5 Credits (knowledge 2 competence 3)
- CHB13 Fulfil salon reception duties 6 Credits (knowledge 2 competence 4)
- CB2 Cut men’s hair using basic techniques 12 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 7)*
*Please note that for those completing the VTCT qualification, the following optional unit must be achieved:
- UHB60 Cut men’s hairstyles 6 Credits (knowledge 2 competence 4)
Annex 2 Level 3: Hairdressing
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
The information below refers to the combined qualifications listed in Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing and will ensure that the qualification carries 10 credits for each element.
To achieve the full qualification, candidates must complete 4 mandatory units totalling 43 credits and optional units to a minimum of 25 credits in order to give an overall total of 68 credits.
MANDATORY UNITS
- CH8 Creatively style and dress hair 7 Credits (knowledge 3 competence 4)
- CH9 Creatively cut hair using a combination of techniques 14 Credits (knowledge 6 competence 8)
- CH10 Creatively colour and lighten hair 14 Credits (knowledge 9 competence 5)
- CHB14 Provide client consultation services 8 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 3)
OPTIONAL UNITS
- AH7 Provide a variety of relaxing services 9 Credits (knowledge 4 competence 5)
- CH11 Hair colour correction services 15 Credits (knowledge 8 competence 7)
- CH12 Provide creative hair extension services 8 Credits (knowledge 3 competence 5)
- CH13 Create a variety of permed effects 10 credits (knowledge 5 competence 5)
- CHB15 Develop, enhance and evaluate your creative hairdressing skills 9 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 4)
- CHB16 Provide specialist hair and scalp treatments 12 Credits (knowledge 8 competence 4)
- CHB17 Contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities 10 Credits (knowledge 7 competence 3)
- CHB18 Contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business 7 Credits (knowledge 3 competence 4)
- CB2 Cut men’s hair using basic techniques 12 Credits (knowledge 5 competence 7)*
- CHB13 Fulfil salon reception duties 6 Credits (knowledge 2 competence 4)
*Please note that for those completing the VTCT qualification, the following optional unit must be achieved:
- UHB60 Cut men’s hairstyles 6 Credits (knowledge 2 competence 4)
Annex 3 Level 4: Hairdressing – Senior Practitioner / Senior Stylist
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
To achieve this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 68 credits, 12 credits from the mandatory units and a further 56 credits from a combination of optional units.
For the senior practitioner / stylist role learners must achieve 12 credits from the mandatory unit, a minimum of 31 credits from Group A units and a further 25 credits from Group C optional units
Mandatory Unit (12 credits to achieve)
- Quality management of client care in the hair and beauty sector (competence – 6 credits, knowledge - 6 credits)
Optional Units
Group A – Mandatory Optional Units (31 credits minimum to achieve)
- Hair colour correction (competence - 6 credits, knowledge - 6 credits)
- Manage the creation of a hair style collection (competence - 5 credits, knowledge -5 credits)
- Hair and scalp specialist services (competence - 5 credits, knowledge - 4 credits)
- Chemistry of hair and beauty products (knowledge - 14 credits)
Group C – Optional Units (25 credits minimum to achieve)
- Principles of studio photography (knowledge - 8 credits)
- Studio photography (competence - 5 credits, knowledge - 5 credits)
- Salon management (competence - 5 credits, knowledge - 5 credits)
- Sales management in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 6 credits, knowledge – 3 credits)
- Public relations in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 5 credits, knowledge -5 credits)
- Marketing in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 4 credits, knowledge - 2 credits)
- Management of health, safety and security in the salon (competence – 6 credits, knowledge - 2 credits)
Total knowledge credits: 6 credits from the Mandatory Units, plus a minimum of further 10 credits from Group A Optional Units and a minimum of further 10 credits from Group C
Optional Units.
Total competence credits: 6 credits from the Mandatory Units, plus a minimum of further 9 credits from Group A Optional Units and a minimum if further 15 credits from the Group C Optional Unit
Annex 4 Level 4: Hairdressing - Salon Manager – Director
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
To achieve this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 68 credits, 12 credits from the mandatory units and a further 56 credits from a combination of optional units.
For the salon manager / director role learners must achieve 12 credits from the mandatory unit, a minimum of 22 credits from Group B optional units and a further 34 credits from Group C optional units
Mandatory Unit (12 credits to achieve)
- Quality management of client care in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 6 credits, knowledge - 6 credits)
Optional Units
Group B – Mandatory Optional Units (minimum of 22 credits to achieve)
- Research in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 3 credits, knowledge - 4 credits)
- Human resource management within the hair and beauty sector (competence - 3 credits, knowledge - 4 credits)
- Sales management in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 3 credits, knowledge -3 credits)
- Management of health, safety and security in the salon (competence - 6credits, knowledge - 2 credits)
Group C – Optional Units (minimum of 34 credits to achieve)
- Principles of studio photography (knowledge - 8 credits)
- Studio photography (competence - 5 credits, knowledge - 5 credits)
- Salon management (competence - 5 credits, knowledge - 5 credits)
- Sales management in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 6 credits, knowledge -3 credits)
- Public relations in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 5 credits, knowledge -5 credits)
- Marketing in the hair and beauty sector (competence - 4 credits, knowledge - 2 credits)
- Management of health, safety and security in the salon (competence - 6credits, knowledge - 2 credits)
Total knowledge credits: 6 credits from the Mandatory Units, plus a minimum of further 7 credits from Group B Optional Units and a minimum of further 9 credits from Group C Optional Units.
Total competence credits: 6 credits from the Mandatory Units, plus a minimum of further 15 credits from Group B Optional Units and a minimum if further 16 credits from the Group C Optional Units.