WESTROW ACADEMY

VTCT Level 3 Advanced and Creative Hairdressing

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
INDUSTRY READY TRAINING

Gain the skills and confidence that employers are looking for.

EXPERT
EDUCATORS

Industry professionals who are as passionate about your success as you are.

REAL SALON
EXPERIENCE

Opportunities to train in our busy real salon with real clients.

AWARD WINNING
SALONS

Recognised for excellence across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

ABOUT THE COURSE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Westrow is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all staff, students and members of the community it serves. In doing so, the college will actively work to achieve equality, regardless of age, race, skin colour, disability, gender, marital status, sexuality or faith.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Advanced and Creative Hair Professional Level 3 course combines practical work-based learning in a commercial salon with training sessions at Westrow Academy.

Learners will build on their existing Level 2 skills, developing advanced cutting, colouring, styling, consultation and creative interpretation techniques. The course is designed to help hairdressers become more confident, independent and fashion-focused, while continuing to develop the professional behaviours expected within the salon environment.

Learners will also develop their knowledge of safe working practices, client care, communication, personal development and the wider responsibilities of working as an advanced hair professional.

All courses require employment for a minimum duration of 16 hours per week. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This course is designed for qualified hairdressers who are ready to progress their skills to an advanced creative level.

Learners should hold an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing, or an equivalent hairdressing qualification with relevant salon experience. As this is an advanced apprenticeship route, practical salon experience is an important part of the programme.

COURSE DURATION

The course runs between 13 and 18 months.

PROGRESSION

On completion, learners can progress into advanced roles within the hairdressing industry, including Creative Hair Stylist, Advanced Senior Stylist, Senior Hair Professional or Specialist Technician.

Further progression may include management qualifications, specialist hairdressing techniques, assessor awards or teacher training.

KIT

Full hairdressing kits can be purchased directly from the Westrow Academy in partnership with Dennis Williams.

COURSE UNITS
Learners develop the skills needed to carry out detailed client consultations and hair analysis. This includes understanding client needs, assessing the hair and scalp, and giving clear, professional advice on suitable services and aftercare.
This unit focuses on advanced cutting methods, creative sectioning and precision techniques. Learners develop the confidence to personalise cuts to suit individual clients, hair types, face shapes and creative outcomes.
Learners explore creative styling, dressing and finishing techniques used to produce fashion-led looks. The unit supports the development of professional presentation skills, product knowledge and creative control.
This unit covers smoothing and strengthening services, including consultation, product selection, safe application and aftercare. Learners develop an understanding of the products, tools and techniques used to achieve the desired finish safely and effectively.
Learners develop advanced colour skills, including creative colour conversion and correction techniques. This includes analysing the hair, planning colour services, using appropriate products and resolving colour challenges with confidence.
This unit brings together the learner’s creative and technical skills. Learners research current trends, plan a creative direction and produce a collection of hairstyle looks that demonstrates individuality, imagination and advanced professional ability.
Assessment:

Learners will build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course. This may include written work, oral questioning, practical observation and evidence gathered from salon-based practice.

For learners completing the apprenticeship route, the programme also supports preparation for End-point Assessment, which includes assessment of the learner’s knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours.

APPRENTICESHIPS

How Does it all Work?

At Westrow Academy, our courses are designed to give learners the skills, confidence and professional support they need to progress in the hairdressing industry. Training combines practical experience, expert guidance and structured learning, helping each learner develop at the right pace while building the knowledge and techniques required for their chosen qualification.

Depending on the course, learning may take place through a combination of salon-based training, Academy sessions, practical demonstrations, theory work, observations and ongoing reviews. This ensures learners can apply their skills in real working environments while receiving regular support from experienced educators.

Learners benefit from:

  • Earn while you learn.
  • Professional practical and theory training
  • Support from experienced industry educators
  • A clear learning pathway tailored to the course requirements
  • Regular progress reviews and feedback
  • Practical observations and assessment guidance
  • Support with portfolio evidence where required
  • Preparation for assessments and End-point Assessment where applicable
  • English and maths support where required as part of an apprenticeship
SUCCESS STORIES

A WORD FROM OUR AMAZING GRADUATES