What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to develop learners’ knowledge, understanding and practical awareness of the hair and beauty sector. It is designed for learners who wish to explore hair and beauty therapy while building confidence, professional skills and workplace behaviours. Through mandatory units and a wide choice of optional units, including hair and beauty services, employability skills and English or Maths, the qualification supports learners to develop essential sector‑specific and transferable skills, preparing them for further study or progression towards employment within the hair and beauty industry.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with a foundation of knowledge, understanding and practical skills related to hair and beauty therapy. It enables learners to develop an understanding of salon environments, health and safety practices and professional presentation, while allowing them to extend their learning through selected specialist and employability units. The qualification supports progression to further education, training or entry‑level roles within the hair and beauty sector.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• understand the structure, roles and expectations within the hair and beauty sector
• recognise the importance of health, safety, hygiene and safe working practices in a salon environment
• develop professional behaviour, communication skills and a suitable professional image for salon work
• gain introductory practical experience in selected hair and beauty services
• develop employability skills, including teamwork, communication and customer service, where selected
• strengthen English and/or maths skills relevant to the workplace, where chosen
• follow instructions, routines and salon procedures safely and effectively
• build confidence and readiness to progress to further qualifications, training or employment 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 Certificate if they need a broad introduction to the sector, as well as more generic workplace skills, 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 alongside a range of transferable employability skills.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Certificate 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.
