What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to introduce learners to the hair and beauty therapy sector by developing basic knowledge, understanding and practical awareness of salon environments. It is designed for learners who are new to the sector and provides an accessible starting point to explore hair and beauty therapy. The qualification helps learners develop confidence, an understanding of professional behaviour, and awareness of health and safety and salon practices, supporting progression to further training or qualifications in hair, beauty or a related area.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to introduce learners to the essential principles, behaviours,
and skills required for entry-level roles in the hair and beauty therapy sector. It supports learners to become familiar with salon environments, professional standards, and basic hair and beauty techniques, while building confidence and employability skills needed to progress to further learning or entry‑level roles within the sector.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• understand the basic structure, roles and services within the hair and beauty sector
• recognise the importance of health, safety and hygiene in a salon environment
• develop an awareness of professional behaviour, appearance and communication in a salon setting
• gain introductory practical skills through selected hair and beauty services
• follow simple instructions and procedures safely and effectively
• build confidence and readiness to progress to further training or qualifications in hair and beauty therapy
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award and Certificate.
Learners should take the Award if they need only a small amount of focused learning in hair and beauty before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 1 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided above.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to an entry-level role in hair and beauty such as beauty salon assistant, hair salon assistant.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 1 certificate or diploma in Hair and Beauty, including Gateway Qualifications’ Level 1 Certificate and Diploma Hair and Beauty Therapy as well as other Level 1 qualifications such as Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Barbering.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
On completion of this qualification, learners will be equipped with a broad introduction to the Hair and Beauty sector, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award in Hair and Beauty Therapy (Entry 3) could allow learners to progress onto:
• Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Hair and Beauty Therapy
• apprenticeships in Hairdressing/Barbering or Beauty Therapy
• employment roles in Hair and Beauty Therapy, for example, Salon Assistant or Beauty Therapist
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
