This is a one-year, full-time NFQ Level 5 course designed to equip learners with the essential vocational skills, academic knowledge, and technical competencies required to succeed in a professional salon environment. This program acts as a direct preparatory bridge for entering the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship or transitioning smoothly into the commercial workplace. 

This is year one of a two-year course. The course is aimed at those who would like to pursue a career in hairdressing. Subjects within the course are tailored to suit the hairdressing industry and include cutting, styling, colouring, perming, shampoo and condition and barbering techniques. Students will learn and practice their skills in the onsite hairdressing salons and will have the opportunity to work on models. Work experience is an integral part of the course enhancing employability skills.

The course includes practical and theory modules and gives learners a chance to experience the day-to-day procedures related to working in a hairdressing salon through Open Salon days in college.

Through a combination of practical observation and assessment, you will study and practice all areas of hairdressing including: consulting, hair and scalp analysis, blow-drying and setting, cutting and chemical services. There will be an emphasis on practical work experience in approved hairdressing salons, where learners will have contact with clients and potential employers. You will be required to purchase a uniform and professional work kit.

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.

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.

The programme aims to ensure that theoretical learning in a Further Education Centre is reinforced by the practical experience of working in a Salon environment.

Apprentices will be supported in the workplace by an approved mentor and in the classroom by their teacher. Apprentices will graduate after three years as a fully qualified Hairdresser with a QQI Level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

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.