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Level 2 Barbering Course in Reading

Cost£1,295.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Oct 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyVTCT awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 2 Barbering Course in Reading. Classes run at Reading College, part-time during the day.

You'll develop practical skills in cutting men's hair and working with facial hair. The course also covers client consultation and health and safety in the barbering industry. It typically takes one year to complete. You'll need a minimum of grade 3 in GCSE English Language to enrol. Learners without prior grades can attend an interview with the course tutor.

You'll finish with a VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Barbering.

Who this course is for

The VTCT Skills Level 2 Certificate in Barbering is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in the creative art of cutting men's hair, the specialist work of cutting facial hair and how to offer a good consultation service for clients. You will develop a sound knowledge of health and safety whilst working in the barbering industry. You will also develop a knowledge and understanding of the practical skills learned throughout this qualification. The purpose of this qualification is to develop your practical skills to a high level of occupational ability to enable you to perform your own salon services.

Entry requirements

You should have a minimum of grade 3 in GCSE English Language. Learners without prior grades will need to attend an interview with the course tutor before enrolling. You will need to purchase a Barbering Kit (recommended for practising at home) and an Activate Learning uniform. Basic tools, products and kits can be supplied for on-campus use.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to cut and style men's hair using a range of techniques.
  • You'll develop skills in cutting and shaping facial hair, including beards and moustaches.
  • You'll learn how to carry out client consultations and assess individual needs.
  • You'll understand health and safety practices relevant to the barbering industry.
  • You'll build knowledge of the tools, products, and equipment used in barbering.
  • You'll practise professional standards and client care throughout the course.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in the classroom. Assessment is based on your practical skills and your knowledge of barbering techniques. You'll be observed carrying out barbering services and may complete written tasks to demonstrate your understanding. The course is delivered part-time during the day at Reading College.

What you will need to bring

You'll need to purchase a Barbering Kit, recommended for practising at home. You'll also need to buy an Activate Learning uniform. Basic tools, products, and kits can be supplied for on-campus use. Reading College will confirm any further requirements before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Barber, cutting and styling men's hair in a barbershop or salon.
  • Salon assistant, supporting stylists while building on your barbering skills.
  • Mobile barber, offering barbering services at clients' homes or events.
  • Barbershop junior, working toward a senior or specialist role with experience.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering, the next step toward senior or specialist barbering roles.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing, broadens your skills to include women's hairdressing.
  • Business and enterprise qualifications at Level 3, useful if you want to run your own barbershop one day.
Apply on reading.activatelearning.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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