Level 3 Diploma in Barbering – Technical

The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering is a technical level qualification aimed at 16-18 learners who wish to pursue a career as an employed or self-employed senior barber or senior men’s hairdresser/stylist.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but, in order to optimise their chances of success, a learner will ideally hold a Level 2 qualification or the equivalent in barbering or hairdressing. Learners have the opportunity to resit either English or Maths alongside this qualification should they require.

As part of your studies, you will be required to complete work experience to develop skills and behaviours that support your progression.

Your timetable may include one late evening per week and you are expected to build up a client base in order to undertake your assessments.

You need to be highly motivated and demonstrate a keen interest in your chosen subject. Offers of a place on the course are dependent on your qualifications and practical aptitude. Entry requirements are:

• Successful completion of a Level 2 Barbering qualification
• English or Maths at grade 4 or higher

or

• Sector-related industry experience

You will have an interview and will be invited to attend a taster session. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview and taster. If you are successful, you will be allocated a conditional place to study.

This qualification is based on the national occupational standards for barbering and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a senior barber or senior men’s hairdresser/stylist. Learners must achieve all mandatory units which include:

• Health and safety in the salon
• Hairdressing consultation
• Cutting hair using barbering techniques
• Creating facial hair shapes
• Shaving services
• Men’s styling services

There are a number of optional units which may include:

• Social media marketing
• Clipper maintenance
• Colouring men’s hair
• Creating a barbering portfolio

Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology and health and safety. They will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to consult with clients, provide a range of cutting and barbering services specifically for men’s hair, provide shaving services and create facial hair shapes. 

In parallel, learners will develop their communication and customer service skills, their awareness of environmental sustainability and their commercial skills, all of which are valued highly by employers. Problem-solving and research skills will also be developed.

You will also develop your skills in maths and English which will be assessed through the November* or summer exam series.

Please note: one late-night session may be on your timetable.

*Determined by marks achieved in the previous summer exam

You are required to complete a portfolio of evidence.  Formative assessment is through a range of methods, including practical observations, phase tests and assignment work. This is to prepare you for the three externally set exams.

This course will be delivered on-site at the Roundhouse. It is highly practical and so a basic level of fitness is required as you may spend long periods on your feet between breaks.

Theory lessons will require you to take notes in order to revise terminology and learn processes.

You will be working with clients. Often they are people with whom you will not be familiar or you may be asked to find your own clients on whom to develop your techniques. You will also act as a client as part of a reciprocal agreement with your peers.

There are further items you will need to purchase in order to enhance your Level 2 kit: full details will be given at your interview.

The kit will contain the essentials required to carry out a range of techniques. Financial assistance will be available for eligible candidates.

Uniform must be worn every day and consists of black trousers or leggings and a black polo shirt. Closed-toe black shoes or trainers can be worn but these must be plain black (including the laces and logos).

You will be formatively assessed by three externally set exams. One of these is a synoptic exam which brings together the knowledge gained from a number of the mandatory units.

As the course is highly practical, you should expect to have a number of observations to ensure your competency in each technique and exams to assess your theoretical knowledge.

Learners who achieve this qualification are eligible to become a State Registered Barber (SRB) with The Hair Council. Whilst the primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for employment, learners may choose to develop their knowledge and skills further by completing a specialist qualification at Level 4 in one or more of the following areas:

– creative male grooming
– salon management
– specialist hair and scalp services
– advanced hair colour correction

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk