What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with an introduction to the hair and beauty sector. It is designed for learners who wish to develop basic knowledge, understanding and practical awareness of salon environments. The qualification enables learners to explore key aspects of hair and beauty therapy, develop confidence, and begin to build the skills and professional behaviours needed to progress to further study or training within the sector.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to introduce learners to the hair and beauty industry while developing foundational knowledge, practical awareness and professional standards relevant to salon work. The qualification allows learners to tailor their learning to their interests within hair and beauty and supports progression to further learning, training or study within the sector.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• understand the basic structure and expectations of the hair and beauty sector
• recognise the importance of health and safety and safe working practices in a salon environment
• develop a professional image and appropriate behaviour for salon settings
• gain introductory practical experience in selected hair and beauty services
• follow instructions and procedures safely and effectively
• build confidence and motivation to progress to further qualifications, training or study 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, Certificate and Diploma. 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 2 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 junior hairdresser, make-up assistant, nail technician.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 2 certificate or diploma in Hair and Beauty, Barbering, Hairdressing, Beauty Consultancy, Beauty Therapy
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 basic, introductory set of knowledge and skills relevant to the Hair and Beauty sector.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Hair and Beauty Therapy could allow learners to progress onto:
• Level 2 qualifications in Hair and Beauty, Barbering, Hairdressing, Beauty Consultancy, Beauty Therapy
• apprenticeships in Hairdressing/Barbering or Beauty Therapy
• employment, for example, make-up assistant, beauty therapist or junior hairdresser
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.
