What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to develop learners’ knowledge, understanding and practical skills within the hair and beauty sector at Level 1 through a broad and flexible programme of study. It is designed for learners who wish to build competence and confidence in salon environments while developing professional behaviours and transferable skills. Through mandatory core units and a wide range of optional units, including hair and beauty therapy, employability skills and English or Maths, the qualification supports learners to gain sector‑relevant experience and prepares them for progression to further learning, training or employment within hair and beauty or related vocational areas.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with a solid foundation of knowledge, practical skills and professional standards relevant to the hair and beauty industry. It enables learners to develop confidence and independence in salon‑based practices while allowing them to tailor their learning to individual interests and progression goals through a choice of optional units. The qualification supports progression to further learning, training or work‑related opportunities within the 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
• apply health, safety and hygiene principles when working in a salon environment
• develop a professional image, communication skills and appropriate workplace behaviour
• gain practical experience in a range of hair and beauty services through selected optional units
• follow salon instructions, procedures and routines safely and effectively
• develop employability skills, and English and/or maths skills where selected, to support progression
• build confidence, independence and readiness for further learning, 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, Certificate and Diploma. 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), to a level 2 Apprenticeship 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 range of introductory skills, core knowledge relevant to hair and beauty, and generic employability skills needed both in the hair and beauty sector and across other sectors.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate 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.
