The rise of the level 4 qualification

[laurakate]

I notice that loads of colleges are offering level 4 qualifications in hair and beauty this September.

What are your thoughts on this? Are they surplus to requirement? Setting a higher standard? Created to try and bring a vocation into an academic approach? Money that could be better spent? An opportunity to give you an edge? A new norm?

What are your thoughts on this? I'm really interested to know.

 

[xlolax]

What can be offered on level 4 courses? I'm In Beauty therapy and unless it's nail extensions or eyebrow tattooing, I'm not too sure what else we could learn!

It's nice there's another level, but does that mean we have to spend more money in order to become more 'qualified?!' Xx

 

[Grace_Hair]

Our college offered level 4 to hair and beauty professionals. However they offered SPMU. Not something that would have suited me. So I didn't go for it.

 

[CFBS]

Level 4 courses generally provide business management units plus a few practical skills such as SPU and laser.

The question is then what can be put into a university degree?

 

[byKaty]

I've been looking on my local college prospectus over weekend as plan to re enrol for level 3 hair. Slightly concerned that there's choice of 3 campus for level 2 but level 3 they have cut to just my local college campus and dropped the full level 3 in the city college, where it was busier, state of the art salon with higher standard of tutoring. They are only doing 5 units of the level 3 in the city campus.
I had wanted to go there this year instead of local as I had stopped going last year as didn't think tutor up to scratch. Looks like it will be here again.
Level 4 hnd also on the list I see. From what I hear it's more business stuff covered, so probably geared more for those who have or will have their own salon.
Level 5 I think is more science stuff- trichology etc. I know a lady who is a trainer on the Sallys courses who had done the level 5.

 

[squidgernetball]

There are some treatments where a level 4 will be required in the near future.

I'm not even sure what's covered with a level 4 but I'm not really interested in laser or semi perm make up - or nail extensions.

I would have been interested in furthering my qualifications in specific areas like skin but feel that college courses really aren't as on the ball as I would hope. I think they still teach to buff the nail with a leather buffer - yeah we do that all the time in the real world!!!

I've found I'm better off specifically training in the areas I want.

I don't think it would give you an edge business wise - as in it wouldn't attract more customers - but it may with employment opportunities.

Have any of your clients ever asked what qualifications you have? I know mine haven't.

Vic x

 

[AcidPerm]

I did a level 4 colour correction unit when I did my level 3 hairdressing.

I agree with Vic that unless you're looking at going into teaching hair and beauty, you'd be better off investing in specialist courses with companies with big brand reputations.

Even then, I think you'd be better advised to consider what (non degree) courses are offered by higher education institutions as these have more kudos to an employer. Not least because you'll have access to better teaching and learning facilities and specialised staff.

For advanced hairdressing rather than teaching hairdressing, that means doing the Master Colour expert training with Wella, L'Oreal etc. or advanced creative courses with the likes of Sassoon.

 

[byKaty]

I want to get level 3 done and I'm also looking at doing mcp. My rep might be able to swing a good discount for me on it. I will need a good discount lol cos I won't have my office job for too much longer !!
Sassoon also in the pipeline. Or maybe even hob salons.
Is the level 4 colour correction worth doing @AcidPerm ?

 

[loulabelle1988]

ByKaty I'm also thinking about going back to do my Level 3 in hairdressing and hasn't thought about Sassoon academy - I just had a heart attack at their prices, I'd love to go !!! But wow!!

I can't find any colleges local to me that offer Level 4, but I'm the same id only do it if it had colour correction or more of the science behind it.

 

[laurakate]

Nail extensions aren't covered in level 4. They can be done as level 2 and or 3 nail qualifications.

Level 4 courses seem varied. Some include the learning of a particular skill such as laser stuff. Others are purely theory based. Strangely, some level 4 qualifications can be made up of level 3 units such as lash extensions, intimate waxing, airbrush makeup for example.

 

[AcidPerm]

ByKaty I'm also thinking about going back to do my Level 3 in hairdressing and hasn't thought about Sassoon academy - I just had a heart attack at their prices, I'd love to go !!! But wow!!
I can't find any colleges local to me that offer Level 4, but I'm the same id only do it if it had colour correction or more of the science behind it.

Level 4 unit. It was offered as a freebie by my tutor during my level 3 course as I was super keen (and did her daughter's prom hair whilst she was supervising a class) It's just advanced colour correction theory and practice but useful nonetheless.

Re: Sassoon. It is expensive but definitely worth it. Every summer they run a bogof promotion so you can either have 2 weeks for the price of one or book with a friend thereby getting 50% off. It's running at the moment.

 

[tresses]

I have applied to do level 4 in salon management with hairdressing starting this september [emoji4]

 

[Simba1972]

And even if you were to do this level to teach you still have to do Ptlls course to teach

 

[thesecretbeauty]

I am currently doing this course and it has given me more of an insight into the business side of things rather than beauty treatments. although you do get taught the more advanced treatments such as laser and advanced electrolysis and removing skin tags etc.

it is more based on business, finance and PR and how they relate to the industry.

 

[Nettic]

I'm currently studying level 4 in clinical aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology it's very advanced in skin science and it also cover micro needling chemical peeling and non surgical blemish removal xxx

 

[squidgernetball]

I'm currently studying level 4 in clinical aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology it's very advanced in skin science and it also cover micro needling chemical peeling and non surgical blemish removal xxx

That sounds fab. I'm getting an itch to do more learning. Is this full time?

Vic x

 

[willowrose]

I'm currently studying level 4 in clinical aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology it's very advanced in skin science and it also cover micro needling chemical peeling and non surgical blemish removal xxx

The sally durant course?

I know she's meant to be good but I was always really put off by the large amount of online training. It's like 4/5 practical days?

I was also put off by the certificator - iq who are not well known although of course are on the ofqual register so perhaps I'm being silly hoping someone with more "clout" would certificate.

There are 3 level 4 diplomas offered by vtct. Most of the people who apply for our management positions have done the level 4 salon management which is not really a practical qualification - you can choose 10 practical credits & the rest of the content is more project/paper based.

The 2 practical level 4 diplomas are increasing in popularity and they're very handy to have. I'm happy to sponsor employees with these as ultimately it means they can go on our licence for more advanced and profitable services! From a staff perspective most are looking to constantly increase their skills and are hungry for knowledge so it's a win win.

I am rarely in salon but have done the advanced beauty therapy level 4 and I would really recommend it; what with private advanced courses etc there is some overlap but it's definitely worth having & I defy you to learn nothing.

With regards to course content the level 4 syllabus is much newer than the traditional level 2 & 3 so in theory not so much outdated practice.

 

[squidgernetball]

Thanks @willowrose. A font of knowledge x

 

[laurakate]

Not sure about the diploma but it is possible to make up enough units for the vtct level 4 certificate in salon management just from theory based units. The advanced skin care units are an option but ultimately the whole qualification can be achieved just with business/marketing type elements.

 

[Nettic]

It's not iq anymore it's now cibtac and 10 practical days now for the course xxxx