Training Academy

We offer Level Two and Three Barbering Diploma qualifications on a full or part time basis according to your requirements.

For apprentices these courses are Government funded as you will require a work placement All of our courses require an initial assessment, informal interview We offer one to one bespoke training as well as small class sizes to give you the learner the very best attention at all times.

Who is this qualification for?

The VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering (QCF) is a technical level qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed barber. This qualification is based on barbering National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's lead barbering professional association (British Barbering Association - BBA) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a senior barber. Learners should hold a Level 2 qualification in barbering prior to undertaking this qualification.

Why is this qualification most suitable?

This qualification forms part of a suite of VTCT barbering qualifications. This qualification is of similar size to the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering Studies (QCF). Whilst both qualifications provide the knowledge and skills to work in the barbering/men's hairdressing industry, this qualification is more suited for learners wanting to specialise as a traditional barber. This qualification also requires learners to work in a commercial barbershop/salon whereby assessments must be carried out on real paying clients in line with commercial service times. In contrast, the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering Studies (QCF) and VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering (QCF) focus on men's hairdressing skills and can be achieved through gathering evidence in a college's realistic working environment without the necessity for real paying clients.

Hence, the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering (QCF) is for learners seeking to work in, and develop their skills in a commercial setting, and can only be delivered by colleges that have, or have access to a 'real' barbershop/salon, and not a realistic working environment.

What does this qualification cover?

This qualification has been specifically designed for the 16-19 age group, builds on existing knowledge and understanding of barbering and will develop an enhanced repertoire of technical skills to prepare learners for employment as a senior barber. Learners will work in, and have their barbering skills assessed in a 'real' commercial barbershop/salon.

This qualification includes all the required elements to work effectively as an advanced barber including: health and safety; client consultation; creative hair cutting, designing and creating facial hair shapes, selling products and services to clients. These units are all mandatory.

Learners will further develop their understanding and skills by selecting a number of optional specialist units which include: shaving, face massage, designing and creating patterns in hair, hair colour correction; specialist scalp services and treatments; perming and colouring - the full list of optional units is presented in the learner Record of Assessment book (RoA) (specification). This qualification's structure provides learners with the flexibility to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills depending upon their designated career pathway as a senior barber.

What could this qualification lead to?

Learners who complete this qualification are eligible to become a State Registered Barber (SRB) with The Hairdressing Council.

Career opportunities as an senior barber/men's hairdresser exist in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Commercial barbershops/salons
  • Specialist African type hair barbershops/salons
  • Independent/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings
  • Product manufacturing and training
  • Armed services
  • HM prison service
  • Cruise liners

Whilst this qualification's primary purpose is to prepare learners for employment as a senior barber/mens hairdresser, learners may choose to further develop their skills base by undertaking advanced specialist qualifications at Level 4, including:

  • VTCT Level 4 Award in Creative Male Grooming (QCF)
  • VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Salon Management (QCF)
  • VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Salon Management (QCF)
  • VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Specialist Hair and Scalp Services (QCF)
  • VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Hair Colour Correction (QCF

You can also visit http://www.vtct.org.uk/