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Level 3

On an apprenticeship you will learn whilst working, you will experience what it is like to deliver high quality hairdressing services along with excellent training enabling you to achieve a qualification that will be graded Pass or Distinction.

Your teacher will be a current expert in the hairdressing industry, they will use a variety of teaching methods including explanation and discussion, as well as group and individual activities. The class will be small and friendly and will focus on building everyday practical skills and solving problems which involve mathematical calculations. You will receive regular training whilst in your work place and will be assigned a programme tutor from the college to support your every step.  The qualification includes an End Point Assessment, this will be arranged once you have achieved all of the qualification requirements, and have sat any necessary English & Maths exams. There will be plenty of time to practice the skills you have acquired.

Hair professionals will be able to shampoo and condition hair, cut hair using a range of techniques, style and finish hair to create variety of looks, colour and lighten hair using different techniques . You will also need to choose an additional unit; either perming, hair extensions or relaxing hair services.

Hair professionals must be able to work with all hair types ranging from straight hair to very curly, wiry hair. They also need to be able to carry out consultations with clients, demonstrate the professionalism, values, behaviours, communication skills and safe working practices associated with their role and be able to work without supervision to a high level of precision, with exceptional client care skills.

Learners will attend college one day a week to learn theoretical and practical practices within the qualification.

Learners will also experience mock End Point Assessment during their programme to prepare them for the final element required to complete the course. 


An advanced beauty therapist can be employed within the beauty industry, travel, leisure and health sectors, in a variety of salons, spas and aesthetic environments. The broad purpose of this occupation is to provide, design and implement bespoke treatment plans. These advanced treatments range from advanced manual therapies such as advanced massage techniques, technical therapies such as face and body electrical treatments, to meet and manage client needs and expectations.

Qualification type City & Guilds Advanced technical diploma level 3
Duration 1 year
Study times You will be expected to be in college for a  minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. 
Entry requirements

Entry by interview, case by case basis.  

Applicants will have achieved a Grade 4 in both English & Maths. 

Applicants will have completed Level 2 Technical Certificate Hairdressing or Barbering Diploma, and have achieved Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grade to progress to this advanced level. Students may also have achieved an NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing or Barbering and have 3-5 years' experience in industry. Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses.

Campus The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds 
Work placements Yes

Qualification type City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical
Duration 1 year
Study times

You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. 

Entry requirements

Entry by interview, case by case basis.  

Applicants will have achieved a Grade 4 in both English & Maths. 

Applicants will have completed Level 2 Technical Certificate Hairdressing Diploma, and have achieved Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grade to progress to this advanced level. Students may also have achieved an NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing and have 3-5 years' experience in industry.  Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses.

Campus

The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College main campus, Bury St Edmunds  

Work placements Yes

Qualification type City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical
Duration 1 year
Study times

You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. 

Entry requirements

Entry is by interview. This course requires the learners to hold a Level 2 Media Hair and Make-up certificate or equivalent. We also consider MUA's who are current and have experience in industry. Successful applicants will be required to have current or planned work experience within the industry. Every student is expected to hold a GCSE grade 4 in English and maths or higher. Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses.

Campus

The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds 

Work placements Yes

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