T Level qualification for hair & beauty renamed to reflect content

The T Level technical qualification in Hair, Beauty & Aesthetics has been renamed as a result of amendments made to its online content.

Retitled as the ‘T Level technical qualification in Hairdressing, Barbering & Beauty Therapy‘, the qualification has seen a transition away from aesthetics and the inclusion of barbering.

The T Level technical qualification, awarded to NCFE, was developed in partnership with VTCT for the hair and beauty industry.

“We are thrilled that the title has been amended to more accurately reflect the current occupational specialisms of the T Level technical qualification,” comments Alan Woods OBE, CEO of VTCT. After several panel discussions with individuals from industry, training providers and professional bodies, it became apparent that everyone wanted this change.”

The T Level technical qualification is approved and managed by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education. T Levels were launched in September 2020 as a work-focused alternative to A Levels for those aged 16 to 18, and offer a mix of 80% classroom and 20% on-the-job experience.

These two-year courses are designed with employers to accurately reflect the current and future skills needs of the sectors and occupations they serve.

Woods continues: “We are grateful for the close working relationship between VTCT, NCFE and the Institute and that we were able to embrace the feedback so early on in the development process.

“This change will make it easier to promote communication with schools, learners, parents and employers being fully transparent of the career pathways available to students upon completion of the qualification.”

Zac Aldridge, director of qualifications & assessments at NCFE adds: “We’re fully on-board with the qualification’s title change and believe the new name is a great representation of the course’s specialisms.

“Our T Level technical qualification in hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy is being carefully developed to give our learners the best possible chances of launching their careers within their chosen industry.

“We work closely with industry experts across all our qualifications, and this is a great example of working collaboratively to ensure our qualifications fully reflect the requirements of the sector and the needs of learners.”

The T Level technical qualification in Hairdressing, Barbering & Beauty Therapy is being developed for first delivery in September 2023.