Our Courses

The VTCT Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector is a qualification that has been designed to introduce you to a range of practical skills from across the hair and beauty industries.

This qualification has been designed to prepare you for employment as a supervised assistant / apprentice or for further learning in the hairdressing and beauty therapy industries within college.

The purpose of this qualification is to develop your skills in Hairdressing and beauty therapy and will provide you with the foundation for further learning. It will also enable you to perform your own basic services and to assist others in the salon.

This qualification will prepare learners to gather evidence in a realistic working environment or real working environment. This qualification offers a wide range of units designed to introduce learners to Hair and beauty therapy treatments in preparation for further study at Level 2.

To underpin this qualification, you will develop a sound knowledge of health and safety and you will also develop a knowledge and understanding of the skills required to support you in the Hair and beauty therapy industry such a salon reception duty, and working with others.

Throughout the year you will study a range of topics and you will be performing treatments in a real working salon. You will develop a deep understanding of the importance of health and safety in the salon. You will have the ability to recognise a hazard, carry out a simple risk analysis and follow safe and hygienic working practices.You will explore different types of salons, the clients that they attract and the main treatments and services offered in Hair and beauty therapy. You will learn how to prepare for, and provide, basic Hair and beauty treatments.Guest speakers are booked in during the academic year to enhance your learning experience and knowledge. During the academic year there will be opportunities to enrich your learning. You will have the opportunity to go to Hair shows which are held in Manchester in October and Birmingham later on in the academic year. You will take part in competitions in house, across our colleges and have the opportunity to enter the world skills competitions. This will prepare you to work in a competitive environment whilst enhancing your professionalism, communication and working as part of a team. You will also have the option of attending additional courses where you can enhance your skills helping you to gain employment. The expectation is that all learners will complete one full day per week of work placement during the academic year. Learners are advised to seek work placement ready for starting the course at interview stage.

Students will learn;

• Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
• Presenting a Professional Image in a Salon
• Styling Women’s Hair
• Plaiting and Twisting hair
• Styling Men’s Hair
• Create an Image based on a Theme
• Reception duties

Functional skills, or GCSE in Maths and English.

You will learn through observing and participating in a wide range of practical activities in our modern commercial salons, from Styling Women’s Hair, Plaiting and Twisting hair and Reception duties. You will complete written tests, oral questions and produce a portfolio. In order to successfully complete your practical skill assessments, students are required to provide suitable clients for treatments.

As part of this qualification, you are required to produce a portfolio of evidence. A portfolio will confirm the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have learnt. It may be in electronic or paper format. Your assessor will provide guidance on how to prepare the portfolio of evidence and how to show practical achievement, and understanding of the knowledge required to successfully complete this qualification. Evidence in the portfolio may take the following forms: Observed work through practical sessions – during practical sessions we encourage you to mirror a professional working environment. Initially setting expectations to ensure you recognise how to demonstrate professionalism. We will explore language that should be used and shouldn’t be used in a professional environment. We will ensure that you are respected and given equal opportunities. , Witness statements, Written questions, Oral questions, Assignments, Case studies

• 4 GCSEs at Grades 2/1 (E/F),
• or
• Entry level qualification,
• or
• Scottish equivalent,
• Subject to an initial assessment with the course tutor.
• Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

When you have successfully completed this qualification, you will have the opportunity to progress to the following qualifications:

Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques

Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing

Level 2 Certificate in Hair and Media Make up

Other Details:

Students will be expected to purchase a Hairdressing kit and uniform, which must be worn to every session. Price on application.