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.

This Course aims to prepare students for employment in the Hairdressing Industry. Students will be given training and confidence to secure an Apprenticeship in a Hairdressing Salon. Emphasis is put on all key areas of Hairdressing which will enhance student's techniques, creative and inter-personal skills. All practical training takes place in fully equipped Hair Salon.

The college offers a QQI Level 5 Hairdressing course which provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the hairdressing profession. The course covers all aspects of the industry, including work experience, and equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to progress into an apprenticeship.

The college is proud to deliver the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship in Hairdressing and works closely with employers and all key stakeholders in the Hairdressing industry.

This course combines both ladies hairdressing and barbering skills providing the learner with an overview of the hairdressing industry. Upon successful completion of this course, students may gain placement as an apprentice in a hairdressing salon.

This is a one-year full time QQI Level 5 and Junior Trade course, with intensive training in the skills and education required for the Barbering and hairstyling Industry. Students will have the option to progress into a second year to achieve higher qualifications in Senior Trade and International City and Guilds Diploma. Our highly qualified team with years of industry experience, provide training in the fully equipped college hairdressing salon. Our work experience programme offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills in selected and approved Barbers and Hairdressing salons in Ireland and abroad.