Turn your passion into a profession with a Hairdressing Apprenticeship at Sandwell College. Perfect for those with a creative spark, this
apprenticeship offers hands-on training in cutting, colouring, styling, and client care.
While earning a wage, you’ll learn in professional salon settings, supported by expert tutors with years of industry experience. From mastering the basics to developing advanced techniques, you’ll build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced salon environment.
With strong links to industry professionals and organisations, we help you grow as a stylist, colour technician, or future salon owner. Gain a nationally recognised qualification and start building a rewarding, people-focused career in the ever-evolving world of hairdressing.
View our vacancies today.
Sandwell College offers a wide range of school leaver courses in Hairdressing, Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Nail Technology, Cosmetic Make-Up and Media Make-Up. Courses are available from Level 1 through to advanced Level 3 qualifications.
No, many courses are designed for beginners. Level 1 courses are ideal if you have little or no experience, want to explore the industry and need to build confidence and practical skills.
Yes, students train in the college’s professional Bliss Hair & Beauty Salons, gaining hands-on experience with real clients under tutor supervision. This helps students build confidence and develop industry-standard skills.
Depending on the level studied, you may learn facials and skincare, waxing treatments, manicure and pedicure, makeup application, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, health and safety in salons.
Hairdressing students develop skills in shampooing and conditioning, cutting and styling hair, hair colouring techniques, client consultation and salon health and safety.
Yes, hair and beauty courses are highly practical and assessment-based. Students spend a large amount of time practising treatments, developing technical skills and working in realistic salon environments.
Students benefit from professional hair salons, beauty treatment rooms, specialist barbering facilities and modern nail bars and make-up stations. Facilities are designed to reflect real industry environments.
These courses can lead to careers such as hairdresser, barber, beauty therapist, nail technician, salon manager and media make-up artist. Many students also progress into self-employment or advanced study.
Yes, students can progress onto Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, specialist beauty or hairdressing courses, apprenticeships or employment.
Yes, students may benefit from industry competitions, beauty and hair seminars, workshops with professional brands, educational trips and spa visits. These experiences help students build confidence and industry knowledge.
Requirements vary depending on the course level.
Typically, Level 1 requires lower GCSE grades or entry-level qualifications. Level 2 requires GCSE grades around 3-4 in English and Maths. Tutors can help advise on the best starting point for you.
Students benefit from real salon experience, modern industry-standard facilities, experienced tutors and practical hands-on learning. Courses are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the hair and beauty industry.
Begin your career journey at Sandwell College. We can help you take the next step after you leave school with over 100 courses to choose from! Our courses will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career.
We can offer first class guidance and support to help you on your journey.
Our Open Days are a great opportunity for you to find out more about our inspirational facilities and talk to our knowledgeable tutors about the courses you like best.
Choose any subject from our A-Z list of School Leaver Courses below and get your career off to an amazing start!
We want to ensure the right level and type of support is in place for every one of our learners to be successful and treated as an individual. We believe that each student should be individually supported to grow and develop personally and professionally.
When you join us you’ll have access to a network of mentors and online 24/7 confidential counselling services for your emotional wellbeing, as well as a dedicated safeguarding team of staff, student-to-student safeguarding champions and your own personal tutor.
Sandwell College is the largest provider of 16-19 study programmes in the West Midlands, preparing learners for higher education, apprenticeships, and successful careers.
With strong pass rates and unrivalled support and welfare services, every student has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed.