Level 1 Hair and Beauty Therapy Course in Wigan

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration30 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Contact GC Education and Skills for more info.

About this course

Level 1 Hair and Beauty Therapy Course in Wigan. Classes run at Wigan Skills Centre, full-time during the day. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, fees may not apply. Contact the centre to check your eligibility.

The course runs for around 30 weeks. You'll explore practical skills across hairdressing and beauty therapy, alongside employability and personal development skills. There are no formal entry requirements, so you can start without previous experience.

You'll finish with a Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Hair and Beauty Therapy.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for 16 - 18-year-olds who want to develop their skills, confidence and industry knowledge with a Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Hair and Beauty Therapy.

This course provides a practical introduction to the hair and beauty industry, helping learners explore career opportunities while developing valuable employability and personal development skills. Designed for young people who enjoy hands-on learning, the qualification provides a foundation for further study, apprenticeships and future employment within the hair and beauty sector.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical hairdressing skills, including basic cutting and styling techniques.
  • You'll learn core beauty therapy skills, including skin care and basic treatments.
  • You'll explore how salons and beauty businesses operate day to day.
  • You'll build employability skills to help you move into work or further training.
  • You'll develop personal and social skills valued across the hair and beauty industry.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in the classroom. Tutors will guide you through skills and knowledge across hair and beauty therapy. Assessment is based on practical tasks and coursework completed during the course. There are no formal exams.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wigan Skills Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Salon assistant, supports stylists and therapists in a busy salon.
  • Beauty therapist, carries out treatments such as facials, waxing and nail care.
  • Hairdresser, cuts and styles hair for clients in a salon setting.
  • Receptionist in a salon, manages bookings and greets clients.
  • Nail technician, specialises in nail treatments and nail art.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Beauty Therapy, the natural next step for deeper practical skills and a wider range of treatments.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing, if you want to focus specifically on salon hairdressing.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, for a specialist route into beauty treatments and skincare.
  • An apprenticeship in hairdressing or beauty therapy, combining paid work with further training.

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