Barbers will be able to shampoo and condition hair, cut hair using barbering techniques, style and finish hair, cut facial hair into shape and provide shaving services for men.
Barbers must be able to work with all hair types ranging from straight hair to very curly, wiry hair.
They also need to be able to carry out consultations with clients, demonstrate the professionalism, values, behaviours, communication skills and safe working practices associated with their role and be able to work without supervision to a high level of precision, with exceptional client care skills.
Apprentices must be employed in a suitable salon before they start the qualification
KNOWLEDGE
Apprentices will develop knowledge of:
Professionalism and values: Industry codes of practice and ethics; quality assurance systems; time management principles; self-management principles; commercially viable times for the completion of services; industry and organisational standards of appearance; the importance of continuing professional development, equality and diversity.
Behaviours and communications: Industry standards of behaviour; how to meet and greet clients; verbal and non-verbal communication techniques; client care principles and practices; how to maintain rapport with clients; the role of the reception area; making appointments; taking payments; who to refer to with different types of enquiries; Sale of Goods and Services Act and the Data Protection Act; how to provide advice and recommendations on the products and services provided in the salon.
Safe working practices: Legal and organisational requirements; use of tools, equipment, materials and products; adherence to workplace cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, supplier or manufacturer's instructions; waste disposal; client preparation and protection; direct and indirect cross- infection; methods that promote environmental and sustainable working practices; reducing risk of injury to self and others; posture, personal hygiene, protection; health and safety legislation and practice.
Consultation: Visual aids for client consultation; salon procedures and manufacturers' instructions for conducting tests; the types and purposes of tests; how lifestyle factors limit or affect services; incompatibility of previous services and products used; hair, skin and scalp problems; suspected infections or infestations; hair characteristics and classifications; basic structure of hair and skin; the growth cycle of hair; services or products available for use in the salon or for retail; legal responsibilities; salon pricing structures.
Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp: How shampoos, tonics and conditioning products affect the hair and scalp, and the various effects of conditioning treatments
Cut hair using barbering techniques to create a variety of looks: How and when to use different cutting techniques and relevant tools and the effects achieved, weight distribution and working with the natural growth patterns of the hair, cutting angles and resulting weight distribution, balance and the degree of graduation
Style and finish men's hair: Current techniques for drying and finishing hair, drying and finishing products, tools and equipment available for drying and finishing men's hair
Cut facial hair into shape: How to create and follow a guideline for tapered beard lines, beard outlines and moustaches, how to cut different facial hair shapes using cutting techniques, beard and moustache shapes that do not require the use of razors, and create outline and detailing design in hair
Provide shaving services: The types of blades available, lathering products, the structure and function of the skin, the scalp and facial skin disorders commonly affecting men, lathering and the function it performs on the skin, in-growing hairs, and the effect of heat on the hair and skin. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Apprentices will gain skills in a range of areas:
Professionalism and values: Demonstrate professionalism and a passion for the industry; have a commitment to quality, a positive attitude and team working; work under pressure; observe time management and self-management; show a willingness to learn; complete services in a commercially viable time and to a high standard; meet organisational and industry standards of appearance; observe professional ethics.
Behaviour and communications: Greet clients in a friendly manner; choose the most appropriate way of communicating with clients; be helpful and courteous at all times; adapt behaviour in response to each client; respond promptly to clients seeking assistance; establish client expectations and needs; explain clearly any reasons why the client's needs or expectations cannot be met; willingly undertake wider salon duties, including reception duties where appropriate
Safe working practices: Maintain effective, hygienic and safe working methods; adhere to workplace, suppliers' or manufacturers' instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products; meet legal and organisational requirements; maintain the client's modesty, privacy and comfort; minimise risks of cross-infection, injury or fatigue; promote environmental and sustainable working practices; ensure personal hygiene and protection meets industry, organisational and local authority requirements; and correctly use Personal Protective Equipment.
Consultation: Creatively assess the client's requirements; examine the hair, skin and scalp; facial characteristics including face shape, skin tone, hair colour, lifestyle and suitability; conduct visual checks and any necessary tests on the hair, skin and scalp; advise clients on services or products; identify the client's hair characteristics and hair classification; advise clients on hair maintenance and management.
Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp: Use products and tools, use shampoo, tonics and conditioning products.
Cutting hair using barbering techniques to create a variety of looks: Use a range of cutting techniques including club cutting, scissor over comb, clipper over comb, outlining, freehand, layering, graduating, texturising, and razor cutting. Create a range of looks and neckline shapes to include flat top, and uniform layer neckline shapes: square, tapered, skin fade, and full neckline.
Style and finish men's hair: Use styling tools and equipment to blow dry, and finger dry.
Cut facial hair into shape: Design and create full beard, partial beard and moustache, identify factors likely to influence the service, establish and follow the cutting guideline(s) to achieve the required effect, ensure the finished look is even, symmetrical and balanced in relation to the client's facial contours.
Shaving services: Prepare the hair and skin for shaving, products, tools and equipment, full shave and partial shave including hot towels, lathering products, face massage, and finishing products
Once all on-programme assessments are complete, along with English and maths functional skills, apprentices will be able to go through the gateway and prepare for the end point assessment - this is a three-hour practical assessment along with oral questions assessed by an independent assessor.
Full-time employment in the sector
