Hairdressing and Barbering NVQ - Level 1

Introduction

Take your first step towards a career in the hairdressing industry and gain practical experience. Your practical training will take place in our salons, which are open to the public. You'll also go to exhibitions and enter external competitions. As well as daytime lessons, you'll need to come into College one evening a week or on a Saturday.

We have plenty of professional suppliers coming to college to deliver bespoke training on latest products and equipment in the industry. This is boosted by employers and salon owners giving demonstrations and talks on making it in the sector. As well as work experience in our salon there can also be opportunities for experience in professional salons - previous students have even seen this lead to part-time work.

You'll learn through competitions and at Level 1 this is mainly internal though there are also a number of local and national competitions that you'll get involved with. In the prestigious WorldSkills competitions we've put through plenty of our students and this is a great way to learn from your peers and to be exposed to new experiences.

Units include:

Consulting clients
Styling and finishing
Setting and dressing
Assisting with hair colouring
Blow drying
Assisting with reception duties
Shampooing and conditioning
Teamwork.

Assessment

Continuous assessment by observation on paying clients, formal and informal online tests, written assignments and tests as well as building up a portfolio of your work.

Next Steps

You could progress to a Level 2 course in hairdressing or barbering, or to an apprenticeship. South Thames College offers a range of hairdressing courses so there are plenty of opportunities to progress and specialise.