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alternative nvq level 2 ULTIMATE barbering course manchester

By Barbering Academy Manchester

Alternative NVQ Level 1 & 2 Combined Barbering Course + 1 Week Experience

Training Course Information Guide

Location: Manchester, UK

Welcome to the Ultimate Barbering Foundation Experience

Start strong and go further. Our Alternative NVQ Level 1 & 2 Combined Barbering Course in Manchester is an immersive  training program designed to take you from complete beginner to job-ready junior barber. This course combines all the essential skills from Level 1 and Level 2, plus an extra week of practical experience and portfolio development to prepare you for employment, freelance work, or further training.

Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or aspiring entrepreneur—this program provides everything you need to start cutting with confidence and shaping your future in the industry.

Course Overview

  • Course Title: Alternative NVQ Level 1 & 2 Combined Barbering Course

  • Location: Manchester Area

  • Duration: 3 Weeks

  • Level: Beginner to Intermediate (Mapped to NVQ Levels 1 and 2)

  • Delivery: In-person Workshops, Practical Studio Training, Real Clients

  • Assessment: Continuous Observation, Portfolio Build, Oral Q&A

  • Certification: Dual Certificate of Completion (Level 1 & 2 Standards)

  • Entry Requirements: None

  • Age Requirement: 16+

  • Cost: Check home page for latest pricing

Why Choose the Combined Course?

✅ Fast-Track Your Career

Complete both levels in one course and enter the industry job-ready.

✅ Hands-On From Day One

Practical learning is the heart of this course—tools in hand from week 1.

✅ Portfolio Power

You'll leave with a full portfolio showcasing your skills and services.

✅ Real Clients, Real Pressure

Build your confidence by working with the public in our open-studio setting.

✅ Inclusive & Accessible

No academic requirements. Just commitment, creativity, and a willingness to learn.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Demonstrate competence in basic to advanced barbering techniques

  • Deliver safe and hygienic services to clients

  • Communicate confidently and professionally during consultations

  • Use a full barber toolkit correctly and maintain tools properly

  • Build a working barber portfolio with client evidence and service breakdowns

  • Be fully prepared to work in a barbershop or move into Level 3 training

Course Modules

Introduction to Barbering (NVQ Level 1)

  • History of barbering

  • Industry expectations

  • Tool identification

  • Hygiene basics

  • Personal presentation

Tool Use, Hygiene & Health (Level 1/2)

  • Clippers and scissors: safe handling

  • Cleaning and sterilising equipment

  • Skin and scalp conditions

  • Setting up a hygienic workstation

Client Consultations

  • Greeting and assessing clients

  • Communication and listening skills

  • Skin and hair type assessments

  • Managing client expectations

Basic Cutting Techniques (Level 1)

  • One-length cuts

  • Scissor-over-comb basics

  • Neckline and hairline shaping

  • Intro to tapering

Clipper Work & Fading (Level 2)

  • Clipper-over-comb

  • Intro to fading

  • Guard knowledge

  • Clean edges and tidy finishes

Beard Grooming & Finishing

  • Beard trimming techniques

  • Necklines and outlines

  • Beard product use

  • Styling facial hair

Health & Safety in Practice (Level 2)

  • COSHH regulations

  • Cross-infection control

  • PPE requirements

  • Managing the shop floor safely

Real Client Week 1 (Supervised Cuts)

  • Booking procedures

  • Time management with real clients

  • Client feedback collection

  • Tutor-assisted corrections

Advanced Cutting (Level 2)

  • Blending and texturising

  • Razor techniques (intro)

  • Cutting different hair textures

  • Dealing with common cutting challenges

Styling & Product Knowledge

  • Blow drying

  • Styling products (gels, waxes, pomades)

  • Prepping hair for a clean finish

  • Aftercare advice

Business Basics & Client Retention

  • Customer service strategies

  • Handling difficult clients

  • Building loyalty

  • Chair rental & self-employment intro

Final Assessments

  • Portfolio checks

  • Live assessments with tutor feedback

  • Review of progression goals

  • Career planning session

Portfolio & Hands-On Week

  • Final photo documentation

  • Model day showcase

  • One-on-one tutor reviews

  • Finishing touches to your portfolio

What You Receive

  • Complete Barbering Starter Kit

  • Access to real client bookings

  • Workbook and learning materials

  • Personal mentoring and support

  • Certificate of Completion (Dual Level)

  • Finished professional portfolio

What You’ll Need

  • Passion and commitment

  • Reliable attendance (minimum 80%)

  • Openness to feedback and learning

Where It Can Take You

  • Junior barber in a shop or salon

  • Barbering apprentice

  • Freelance or mobile barber

  • Move directly into Alternative NVQ Level 3

  • Develop into a specialist in beard or fade work

Support & Inclusivity

We support all students and welcome diversity. We offer:

  • Support for learners with ADHD, dyslexia or anxiety

  • Flexible payment plans

  • Mental wellbeing resources

  • English language assistance where needed

Meet the Trainers

Jay “Bladez” Thompson

  • Industry veteran with over 15 years experience

  • Specialist in training beginners

Lola Martinez

  • Afro hair and texture educator

  • Focus on confidence-building and hands-on coaching

FAQs

Do I need experience to join?

No! This course is built for complete beginners.

Will I be cutting real hair?

Yes, you will cut real clients' hair under supervision.

Will I receive certification?

Yes, you'll receive certification aligned to NVQ Level 1 & 2. 

Can I do this part-time?

Yes, both full-time and part-time options are available.

Will I get help finding a job?

Yes, we support job searches, interview prep, and shop placements where possible.
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