Hairdressing Level 2 for school leavers

This course is for young people aged 16-18, who want to turn their interest in hair design and styling into a creative, practical and sociable career, with lots of opportunities to progress and develop.

This course will equip you with the technical skills, professional and product knowledge that you need to work in a wide range of settings in the UK and throughout the world.

You will learn about all aspects of hairdressing including:

• shampoo and conditioning
• cutting, blow drying, setting and styling
• long hair up-styling
• creative finishing techniques
• hair colour techniques
• perming
• working safely.

You will also learn about promoting products and services, and you will develop excellent customer care skills, so that you can consult and advise clients effectively.

If you are aged 16-18 and you have not yet gained a grade 4 in GCSE English Language and/or Maths, you will also study these subjects at the right level for you, either as Functional Skills or as GCSE resits, if you have already achieved a grade 3 (D).

To join this course, you need five GCSEs, including English Language at grade 3 (D) or Functional Skills at Level 1 or higher.

You must have a keen interest in the subject, good communications skills and be able to demonstrate an excellent record of attendance and punctuality.

This course is taught at college in our industry standard professional hair salons.

Your teachers have a wealth of professional and teaching experience and excellent links with local employers and industry experts. You will have opportunities to work with real clients and paying customers, and you will take part in hair and photographic competitions, where you will refine and showcase your skills and creativity.

You will benefit from our excellent links with local employers and you will have opportunities to put what you learn into practice through work experience throughout the college year with roughly 36 hours to complete in the academic year. As a student you will also have the opportunity to attend talks from different industry professionals, such as Goldwell and Steiner.

Your work will be assessed continually through practical assessments, assignments and online assessments. If you study English and maths, these subjects will be assessed by exams.

This qualification is recognised by The Hairdressing Council, so you will be able to progress into a career as a junior stylist with a wide range of establishments such as hair salons, spas, hotels and cruise ships.

Alternatively, you could seek and apprenticeship to continue your training while you work, or you could progress to a higher-level hairdressing course to develop your technical and creative abilities and extend your career opportunities, for example by working in fashion, media, TV or film.

You will need to buy a College uniform which costs £32, and your hairdressing kit which costs approximately £150.

If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.