Become a Barber
Barber’s are responsible for cutting and styling men’s hair and beards using various tools such as hair clippers and trimmers, scissors, razors, hair care, beard, and shaving products.
Barbering can be a rewarding and satisfying career in many senses, be it pleasing your clients, having an element of creativity, and benefiting financially.
As male grooming trends continue to evolve due to social media and the need to look ‘Instagram’ ready at all times, it is no surprise that barbershops have become the fastest-growing shops on the high street. And with that comes a more critical requirement for barbers in the industry. So if you’re looking to become a barber, you’ll be in hot demand.
You can take many different routes to become a barber, each suitable to other individuals depending on their preferred learning style, the time they have available to train, and accessibility.
The minimum qualification will need to be equivalent to a level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Barbering accredited by the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT).
You can obtain this qualification in several ways. We have compiled a guide to the most common routes to Barbering and how much you can expect to earn in the profession.
- Private Courses
- Further Education
- Apprenticeship
Private Barbering Courses
Many educational providers offer private barbering courses that last between 1 to 3 months depending on the method you opt for.
Short courses that are approximately 6-8 weeks long are ideal beginner courses for those looking to understand Barbering. Although you won’t achieve an NVQ qualification or equivalent, it’s perfect to start an understanding of whether Barbering is the career for you before you progress on longer diplomas & NVQ barbering courses.
Private educational providers also offer longer, more intense courses suitable for those looking to achieve an NVQ qualification or level 3 certificate. These courses typically last between 9-12 weeks. With a level 3 certificate, you will be a work-ready Barber. However, with an NVQ Level 2 certificate, you will receive an internationally recognized barbering qualification and be a work-ready barber.
How much do private barbering courses cost?
The cost of private barbering courses can vary depending on the educational provider, the course’s length, and the qualification you’ll receive at the end of it.
Private barbering courses are more expensive than further education. This is because of the additional benefits you’ll receive; smaller classes, more one-to-one training and support, skilled teachers and trainers, and more hands-on practice.
On average, you can expect to pay between £2,000 and £6,000 to complete a barbering course. Although an expensive investment, you can expect to make this cost back within a few months of working as a qualified barber.
Further Education College
A Barbering course at a further education college will take at least 1 to 2 years to complete and is available to students aged 16 and above.
Further education courses are an alternative to A-Level and allow students to obtain an NVQ certificate in Barbering.
Learning on a further education course will involve a mixture of theory-based learning and hands-on practical training. In comparison to a private course or apprenticeship, you can expect less hands-on time and more theory-based learning.
How much do Further Education Courses Cost?
Such courses are free for students aged 16 to 18; if you are 19 or over, there may be a cost involved. You can check with your preferred educational provider for specific costs.
Apprenticeship
A barbering apprenticeship usually takes between 2 to 3 years to complete and is most common among 16-18-year-olds who have just completed their GCSEs.
Similarly, apprenticeships are a popular alternative to A Levels and provide students with the opportunity to gain real-world training while they learn and achieve a nationally recognized qualification.
To embark on an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find a college that offers barber apprenticeships and a barbershop willing to take on an apprentice.
How much do apprentices earn?
If you decide an apprenticeship is right for you, you won’t have to pay for this qualification and will also be paid by your employer. The wage apprentices are entitled to depend on their age and the length of apprenticeship you are undertaking.
Barber Licence
Many barbers and hairdressers start to cut hair at an early stage and while they’re still in school, at training, or when doing their apprenticeship. This is because they’ve gained the needed knowledge, and they already feel quite comfortable with cutting hair, even without their qualification or L2 accreditation.
Luckily, barbers & hairdressers do not need a license to cut hair in the UK. This means that you can continue to work on your clients, even if you’re still mastering your course.
However, if you are a business owner and are looking to open a hairdressing, hair salon, or barbering business of any kind, you may need to register your business with the local council. This is in the form of a Hairdresser Licence. If you plan on starting a business any time soon, make sure that you look into this and ask your local council for advice.
Lastly, if you are a freelancing artist (hairdresser, barber) and cut hair at home, you still won’t need a license. You can continue to work at your own pace and not worry a thing about any inconvenience.
DBS Check
Public facing roles like BARBERS are subject to the completion of Basic DBS check
DBS checks are statutory checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service on behalf of the Home Office.
The Disclosure and Barring Service are a public body with a remit to keep the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, safe.
When you apply to work with Moorest, your DBS checks will be used to ensure you are right for public-facing work.
All frontline roles in the UK are subject to DBS checks under the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act to ensure the public is properly safeguarded from those who are not right for public-facing roles.
Following your DBS check, you will receive your DBS certificate through the post and online. You will need to provide the DBS certificate to Moorest during verification process. The certificate will list any information found. If nothing is found the certificate will be blank.
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