Learners' pages

Learners' Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the Work-Based Learning Programme?	Work-based learning is working and learning in the REAL world. By being employed and receiving professional support and training, we can help you to carve out a fruitful career for yourself.
Q What are National Vocational Qualifications?	National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) form a broad structure of skills, which cover about 98% of all jobs. They are directly related to competence and performance in the work-place. NVQs are generally awarded at levels 1-3 for young people in learning
Q How often will my trainer/assessor visit me in my salon?	Every two to three weeks.
Q Will my boss be able to assess me too?	Only if s/he holds an Assessor Award and is registered with us.
Q What careers will be open to me when I have trained?	Hard work and dedication can open up a world of opportunities in hairdresssing. While global travel, eg on a cruise ship, prestigious media makeovers and film and tv work may seem a million miles from sweeping and shampooing, these opportunities are out there and there are many hairdressers, men and women, who can prove it.
Q How long will my Apprenticeship last?	On average, training takes from 18 to 24 months.
Q How much will I be paid?	Apprentices who are under 18 are not entitled to the minimum wage as they are receiving government-funded training. However, the LSC insists that all apprentices receive at least Ł80 a week. For details of the current National Minimum Wage regulations please click on the link here.
Q How do I apply?	If you are still at school please go to our contacts page and request an application form or download one from the link below. If you are already in work you should talk to your boss. If we have trained other apprentices in your salon, your boss will know that you need to complete and send us an application form. We will then arrange to come and see you and your boss to sign you up for your apprenticeship. If you are working in a salon that we have not worked with before, we will need to start by talking to your boss to arrange a visit to the salon to make sure it complies with health and safety requirements. NB You must have worked in the salon for a minimum of three months before you can start training.
Q How will I know how I'm doing?	Your trainer/assessor will talk about your work every time they visit you. In addition, every 12 weeks, you will sit down with your boss and trainer/assessor to talk about your progress and set new targets.
Q Do I have to arrange my own models for assesssments?	Most salons will help you to attract models for your assessments by perhaps placing an advert in the salon window. Your friends may be willing to come and act as models for you too.
Q will I have to take any exams?	We prefer the word tests because you will not be sat in a large hall with desks set out in rows. Instead, any test papers that you need to do for hairdressing will be taken by yourself in a quiet area. If you need to do key skill tests, these are done on-line using a computer.
Q I've heard that I might be exempt from the key skills part of my apprenticeship. Is this true?	GCSEs in English and Mathematics do offer exemptions (unless they are more than five years old). Key skills are in two parts (a project and a test) and your GCSE results will determine the exemptions you are offered. Please see the tables below:
Q Will I have to provide copies of my GCSE certificates to be offered a key skills exemption?	Yes. We are not able to accept a 'statement of results'. They must be photocopies of the actual certificates.

Click here for an Application Form	Still got a question? Click here for a feedback form

Apprenticeship in Hairdressing					Advanced Apprenticeship in Hairdressing
GCSE Results	Communication Level 1 Project	Communication Level 1 Test	Application of Number Level 1 Project	Application of Number Level 1 Test	GCSE Results	Communication Level 2 Project		Communication Level 2 Test	Application of Number Level 2 Project	Application of Number Level 2 Test
English A*-C	exempt	exempt			English A*-C	exempt	exempt
English D-G	yes	exempt			English D-G	yes	yes
Maths A*-C			exempt	exempt	Maths A*-C			exempt	exempt
Maths D-G			yes	exempt	Maths D-G			yes	yes

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