The Hairdressing industry is a dynamic working environment, with opportunities for many different careers. This Level 5 course leads to internationally recognised qualifications in the art of hairdressing. You will learn the practical skills of hairdressing and styling, and the underpinning theoretical knowledge that will enable you to pursue a career in hairdressing business.

This course aims to prepare students for employment in the Hairdressing Industry. The overall aim of this programme is to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence in hairdressing theory, practice and skills to work independently and under supervision in the dynamic hair industry and/or to progress to further or higher education or training. Students will be given training and confidence to secure an apprenticeship in a hairdressing salon. All practical training takes place in a fully equipped hair salon.

Do you want to start a career in the world of Hairdressing and Beauty?

St. John’s Central offer you training in the essential knowledge and techniques necessary for the Hair and Beauty Industry.

First Year: State Examinations Commission Junior Trades, QQI Hairdressing Level 5 Award.

Second Year: State Examinations Commission Senior Trades, City and Guilds International Hair and Beauty Diplomas, World Federation of Hair and Beauty Schools Certification.

Candidates must have completed first year successfully in order to progress into second year.

Students will have their own hairdressing kit recommended by the college.

Further certification will be offered from industry. Students participate in National and International competitions. There are student exchanges with Sweden, Germany & France through European projects.

This Hairdressing & Beauty Specialist Level 5 Certificate offers both practical and theoretical skills to help you develop the confidence and knowledge necessary to pursue further study in the hair or beauty field. This course is an ideal launchpad for students wishing to embark on a career in Hairdressing or Beauty.

This Barbering and Hairdressing course will lead to Level 5 Award on the National Qualifications Framework. The overall aim of this is to equip the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to the world of the Barbering and Hairdressing Industry/Environment.

Hairdressing is an intensive, hands-on, course leading to recognised qualifications in hairdressing and related skills. Students interested in progressing to a second year where they gain higher qualifications in Senior Trades and a City & Guilds Diploma in Ladies Hair Dressing are selected on a competitive basis. Training is provided in the fully equipped college hairdressing salons. Work experience offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills in selected and approved hairdressing salons.

The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure that the apprentice receives training both on and off the job over a minimum of three years.

With a blend of on-the-job training (80%) in full time employment, and one day a week off-the-job training (20%) at Portlaoise Institute, we provide apprentice with all the necessary skills, techniques, theory, and confidence in assisting them to become a fully qualified Hairdresser.

The New National Hairdressing Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised and a flagship standard for the Hairdressing Industry in Ireland.

This is a three-year apprenticeship programme aimed at school leavers and mature applicants who are considering a career in the Hairdressing Industry, or who are currently working in the Industry and want to gain a recognised qualification in this sector.

Apprentices work four days per week in the salon, while being paid by their employer, and attend classes in the college one day per week over the three-year period. Job Ratio: 80% on-the-job and 20% off-the-job.

With this three-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified hairdresser, with a QQI Level 6 Qualification in Hairdressing.

This course is for those who want to further advance into the world of hairdressing. Our award winning hairdressing department will guide you through City & Guilds International Diploma in women's hairdressing whilst also offering the Department of Educations' Senior Trades qualification. This course also incorporates open salon and competition work. Learners will be expected to attain the highest standards in practical day to day procedures in the hairdressing field. Learners will study and practice all areas of hairdressing including consulting, hair and scalp diagnosing, blow-dry and setting, cutting, colouring, styling and dressing hair for clients, as well as hair science and theory.

This course is designed to facilitate those wishing to pursue a career in hairdressing which involves on and off the job intensive salon training. It provides students with a broad range of practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for the hairdressing industry. Training is provided in our fully equipped modern salon.

This one-year full-time Hairdressing and Barbering Year 2 course will provide students with the opportunities to develop a range of practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to work in this rewarding area of the hairdressing industry. They are widely accepted by employers around the world as the benchmark for workplace excellence and provide learners with the skills they need to succeed in today’s fast changing economic environment. 

This one-year full-time Hairdressing and Barbering course is an intensive, hands-on programme that leads to recognised qualifications in hairdressing and barbering related skills. Students interested in progressing to a second year where they gain higher qualifications in Senior Trades and a City & Guilds Diploma in Ladies Hair Dressing are selected on a competitive basis. Training is provided in the fully equipped college hairdressing salon. Work experience offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills in selected and approved hairdressing salons.

The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship is a three-year, work-based program that combines 80% on-the-job training with 20% college-based education. Leading to a Level 6 Major Award, the course ensures that theoretical learning is reinforced by practical experience in a professional salon environment. Apprentices develop a comprehensive range of skills—including styling, coloring, and cutting—graduating as confident, autonomous professionals ready to deliver high-quality services and navigate the business culture of the hairdressing industry.