Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you wish to become an Advanced & Creative Hair Professional and you are progressing from the Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship, or have previous qualifications and are working in an associated supervisory role, which provides support for qualified professionals.

Advanced & Creative Hair Professionals are creative, passionate and driven individuals, working 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 & Creative Hair Professional works in the hair and beauty industry, which is one of the largest, most trusted and fashion-forward professions. Therefore, apprentices take ownership of their work and client lists, accept responsibility, and are proactive, flexible and adaptable. By planning their work and time, they aim for excellence by taking exceptional pride in their work and industry.

The work environment can be varied in size, style and ambiance, from a bespoke salon, the media industry, cruise ships, product houses and manufacturers, to a luxury high-end hair salon. They are highly skilled and experienced professionals, delivering fashion-forward hair trends, which are innovative styles inspired by current images and their own creativity, individual flair, imagination and interpretation.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Professionalism, confidentiality and discretion

· Maintaining effective and safe methods of working

· Use products, tools and equipment in accordance with legal requirements, manufacturers' instructions and salon policy

· Researching, creating, planning and promoting fashion-forward trends

· Factors that influence hairstyle designs and their target audience

· Adapting a range of sectioning and cutting guidelines, involving precision techniques and technical skills, to enhance a collection of different looks

· Imaginative colour conversion services to change depth and tone

· Carry out in-depth consultation and complex analysis of clients' hair

· Provide a smoothing, strengthening service to clients

· Present showcases via a variety of media types and platforms

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 3 Advanced & Creative Hair Professional Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 3 distinct components:

· A computer-based knowledge test with multi-choice questions

· Practical observation with questions and answers

· Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e. pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Advanced & Creative Hairdressing Professional programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· Level 2 Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship Standard

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for the hair & beauty industry

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme and you will be expected to attend 1 day per week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary. Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Please note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our workshop environments.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto higher level qualifications through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to become a Team Leader or Operations Manager.