BARBERING Level 3 NVQ Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 3
Apprenticeship
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
City & Guilds

Overview

The Level 3 Diploma in Barbering is designed for aspiring barbers who want to advance their skills and become confident, creative, and highly skilled professionals in the men’s grooming industry. Building on existing experience gained in the the Level 2 Barbering, this qualification develops advanced technical abilities, creative styling techniques, and in-depth knowledge of modern and traditional barbering practices.

It is a more advanced programme designed for individuals who have a foundational understanding of barbering and wish to further develop their skills and knowledge in the field. This apprenticeship offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring barbers to gain hands-on experience, refine their techniques, and earn a recognised qualification while working in a professional barbershop environment. It’s an excellent opportunity to refine your craft, build client confidence, and develop the professional and business skills needed to succeed in a fast-growing industry.

Throughout the apprenticeship, participants will deepen their understanding of advanced barbering techniques, creative styling, and client consultation. They will refine their skills in precision hair cutting, intricate styling, and facial hair design, while also exploring more specialised areas of barbering, such as pattern work, hot towel shaves, perming, colouring and specialist scalp treatments. Participants will learn to incorporate their creativity and artistic flair into their work, while still meeting the needs and preferences of their clients and enabling them to offer a broader range of services to clients.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:

A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.

Applicants must hold a NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Barbering or equivalent.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.

Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Modules include:

Provide client consultation services
Creatively cut hair using a combination of barbering techniques
Design and create a range of facial shapes
Provide shaving services
Provide specialist hair and scalp treatments
Perm and neutralise hair
Colour and lighten men’s hair

Assessment in the apprenticeship is based on a combination of practical observation and online exams for each module. Apprentices will showcase their skills in advanced hair cutting, styling, and barbering techniques through practical observation. Online exams will test learners knowledge of advanced barbering concepts, client care, and business operations. Regular feedback and guidance from mentors and instructors will support learning and progression throughout the programme.

Learners will be required to supply their own barbering kit and male training heads for training.

Professional attire consisting of black trousers, top and shoes/uniform is compulsory and must be worn in all practical sessions.

Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Barbering represents a significant step toward becoming an advanced professional in the barbering and men’s grooming industry. Once learners achieve this qualification, they may wish to undertake further and ongoing professional development and management courses.

Upon successful completion of this qualification participants will have acquired the advanced barbering skills, technical expertise, and professionalism required to excel in the barbering industry. Student's may find employment as: