Excellent student support services
We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.
Advanced and Creative Hair Professional Apprenticeship - Level 3
IMPORTANT
The following information is simply detailing the apprenticeship training course and is not a live vacancy to apply for. Please click the link below to view our current apprenticeship vacancies.
Overview
Advanced and Creative Hair Professionals are creative, passionate and driven professionals who work without supervision, managing themselves and others when required. They provide a quality service, whilst working to the highest standards and continuously developing their personal and professional skills.
An Advanced and Creative Hair Professional works in the hair industry, which is one of the largest, most trusted and fashion forward professions. They take ownership of their work and client lists, accept responsibility, are proactive, flexible and adaptable, plan their work and time, they aim for excellence by taking exceptional pride in their work and industry. They are highly skilled and experienced individual professionals who deliver hair fashion forward trends, which are innovative styles inspired by current images and their own creativity, individual flair, imagination and interpretation.
What will I study
- To demonstrate professionalism by maintaining confidentiality and discretion
- To research fashion forward trends, using the results to create, plan and promote a collection of hairstyle looks that reflects their own individuality
- How to analyse the factors that influence the design and creation of the collection of hairstyle looks, including the target audience
- How to design a range of looks to create a fashion forward collection of hairstyle looks
- To maintain effective and safe methods of working
- How to use and adapt a range of sectioning and cutting guidelines, creative and precision techniques and technical skills to create and enhance the collection of hairstyle looks
- How to carry out precision and personalised cutting tailored to individual client characteristics
- To formulate imaginative creative advanced colour conversion services to change the depth and tone of the hair
- To use a range of creative finishing and dressing techniques, advanced creative colouring techniques to enhance the collection of hairstyle looks
- How to present, showcase and promote their skills though their collection of hairstyle looks via a variety of media types and platforms
- To provide a smoothing strengthening service to clients
- How to carry out in-depth consultation and complex analysis of the hair
- To use and apply the products, tools and equipment, in accordance with legal requirements, manufacturers' instructions and salon policy
- How to effectively provide advice on future services and products
- To evaluate the results of the service to improve further practice.
- Entry requirements
Each apprenticeship programme has its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme. You will need to be aged 16 years and over and meet residency criteria to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme.
As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevant role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme.
Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call 0800 121 8317 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can support you.As an applicant, you will undertake assessments in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels and will continue to maintain skills in both subjects throughout your apprenticeship. If you possess maths and English GCSE or equivalent, there is a requirement for this to be evidenced which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill exam alongside the apprenticeship.
- Assessment
In the UK, apprentices are assessed through a combination of on-programme assessment and a final Apprenticeship Assessment (formerly called the EPA). Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect:
- On-Programme Assessment (During Your Apprenticeship)
Throughout your apprenticeship you will complete ongoing assessments to show you’re developing the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs). These may include:
- Workplace observations
- Your assessor or tutor may watch you carry out tasks in your normal job role.
- Assignments or written tasks
- Some apprenticeships require reports, reflective journals or knowledge-based tasks.
- Professional discussions
- A structured conversation with an assessor about what you’ve learned and how you apply it.
- Portfolio of evidence
- You’ll collect proof of your competence—such as work products, photos, witness statements, or project work.
- Training reviews
- Regular progress reviews with you, your employer and your training provider.
These activities help build your confidence and prepare you for the final assessment.
2. Gateway
When you, your employer and training provider all agree that you’re ready—and you’ve met all mandatory requirements (e.g., maths/English qualifications if needed)—you’ll pass through Gateway.
This simply means you are ready to sit the Apprenticeship Assessment.3. Apprenticeship Assessment (AA)
The Apprenticeship Assessment is carried out by an independent assessment organisation and varies depending on your apprenticeship standard. It may include:- Practical observation
- Demonstrating real work tasks or scenarios.
- Knowledge test
- A multiple-choice or written exam.
- Professional discussion
- A conversation with an independent assessor exploring your role, competence and experience.
- Project or assignment
- Some apprenticeships require a work-based project followed by an interview.
- Portfolio-based interview
- Your portfolio supports the discussion but is not assessed on its own.
- You will receive a grade—usually Pass, Merit or Distinction, depending on the standard. You should remember that, upon taking your apprenticeship assessment, it is possible at this stage to achieve a Fail grade. If this happens, you will be offered the opportunity to retake the failed element.
4. Completion
Once you pass your Apprenticeship Assessment, you will be awarded:
Your apprenticeship certificate
Any industry qualifications linked to your standard (mandatory elements) - On-Programme Assessment (During Your Apprenticeship)
- Progression
Following the successful completion of this apprenticeship there is the opportunity for further development using other apprenticeship standards, depending on how your role has evolved and the potential to work towards career progression opportunities.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
Advanced and Creative Hair Professional - Advanced Apprenticeship
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.