A Guide to End-point Assessment: Hair Professional

A Guide to End-point Assessment: Hair Professional Version 3

Contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Purpose... 3 3. Entry requirements... 3 4. Duration... 4 5. Summary of assessment... 4 5.1 Assessment of the apprenticeship... 5 5.2 On-programme assessment... 5 5.3 Gateway to end-point assessment... 6 5.4 End-point assessment... 6 5.4.1 Choosing an end-point assessment delivery model... 7 5.4.2 Arranging the end-point assessment... 8 5.4.3 Conducting the end-point assessment... 8 5.4.4 Assessment and grading... 9 5.4.5 Issuing end-point assessment results... 10 6. Certification of the apprenticeship... 10 7. End-point assessment organisations... 11 8. Becoming an end-point assessment host centre... 11 A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 2

1. Introduction Following a review of apprenticeships commissioned by the UK Government, the Richard Review of Apprenticeships (published November 2012) recommended a more employerfocussed approach to the development, delivery and funding of apprenticeships in England. The apprenticeship system has therefore been undergoing a series of reforms in order to increase quality, simplify the system, and put employers in the driving seat so that apprenticeships reflect the skills required by employers. The apprenticeships being developed under these reforms are called Trailblazers. The reforms also seek to ensure that employers work with professional/ trade bodies so that apprentices are able to gain professional recognition where possible. The Hair Professional is a Trailblazer Apprenticeship that has been developed by a group of employers which include the Urban Retreat, SAKS, Toni & Guy and Andrew Collinge in partnership with the UK s lead professional associations, trade bodies and VTCT. The Hair Professional Apprenticeship is formed on the basis of a Standard and Assessment Plan which can be located at the following links: Standard - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/580178/hair _Professional_Standard.pdf Assessment Plan - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/580177/hair _prof_assessment_plan.pdf Within the Hair Professional Apprenticeship there are two distinctly different job roles that apprentices may work towards, a hairdresser or barber. On completion of the Hair Professional Apprenticeship, apprentices will achieve a regulated qualification certificated by VTCT and be eligible for State Registration with the Hair Council.. 2. Purpose This document sets out to provide an overview of the Hair Professional Apprenticeship with a specific and detailed focus on the end-point assessment. 3. Entry requirements Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Providers must liaise with employers to determine their requirements, in line with any specific requirements that are desired. Potential apprentices should have achieved qualifications in English and mathematics at a minimum of Level 1. Evidence of this must be collated by the provider. Where this is not the case, apprentices must complete these prior to their end-point assessment and completion of the Apprenticeship, with evidence provided to VTCT as the Apprentice Assessment Organisation. A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 3

4. Duration It will typically take two years to complete the Hair Professional Apprenticeship, although the exact duration may vary somewhat between providers and be dependent upon the calibre of each apprentice and their previous experience. The minimum duration for the Apprenticeship is 12 months. Providers should liaise with employers and potential apprentices to establish the duration of the programme required. 5. Summary of assessment There are three stages to the assessment of the Hair Professional Apprenticeship which are as follows: ON PROGRAMME 1 2 3 4 Hairdressing or barbering route selected Learning through on-the-job training and assessment Development of knowledge, skills and behaviours within a regulated VTCT qualification which meets the Apprenticeship standard Observations and knowledge tests used to confirm knowledge, skills and behaviours GATEWAY TO END POINT ASSESSMENT 1 2 Completion of on-programme assessment requirements and regulated qualification Employer in consultation with the training provider decides on the timing of the end point assessment END POINT ASSESSMENT 1 2 3 Synoptic end point assessment of skills knowledge and behaviours via: - Practical assessment (6 hours hairdressing, 3 hours barbering) - Oral question Conducted by a VTCT Independent Assessment Examiner (IAE) Apprentices graded as Pass or Distinction CERTIFICATION 1 2 3 Apprentice certificated for VTCT regulated qualification VTCT claims overarching Apprenticeship certificate on behalf of the apprentice from the SFA Apprentice eligible to become state registered with the Hair Council A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 4

5.1 Assessment of the apprenticeship This section provides information about how the Hair Professional Apprenticeship is assessed, including the formative on programme assessment by Providers through to the end-point assessment by VTCT as an approved apprentice assessment organisation. There are a number of elements that make up assessment for the Hair Professional Apprenticeship including formative, on programme assessment which includes a regulated qualification and a summative end-point assessment. During the delivery and assessment of the Apprenticeship there should be regular reviews (at least quarterly) between the employer and the provider with a formal annual review of the apprentice s progress. 5.2 On-programme assessment The on-programme assessment stage requires apprentices to complete one of the regulated VTCT qualifications as follows: VTCT Code QN Title HB2D4 603/1323/7 VTCT Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) HB2D3 603/1324/9 VTCT Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Barbering) These qualifications have been designed and developed in collaboration with the Trailblazer Group and a range of other employers. These qualifications meet all the knowledge, skills behaviours specified in the Hair Professional Apprenticeship Standard and the requirements of the Assessment Plan. Qualifications must be completed in their entirety which includes a range of formative practical assessments and summative multiple choice examinations. The end-point assessment is also part of the regulated qualification and the qualification cannot be certificated until this component has also been achieved. In additional to completing all the on-programme assessment requirements of the Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing/Barbering), a range of core behaviours will also be developed. These could include a good awareness of potential health and safety risks; evidence of being able to work without supervision to a high level of precision; effective communication with colleagues and members of the public and an exceptional level of customer care. On completion of the on-programme requirements of the qualification apprentices will enter the Gateway phase. Since the qualification is an embedded feature of the Apprenticeship, apprentices will not be certificated for the regulated qualification until the end-point assessment has been achieved at a Pass grade or higher. In parallel, apprentices must have achieved English and mathematics at Level 1 prior to progressing onto the Gateway to end-point assessment stage. VTCT offers Functional Skills qualifications in English and mathematics through its partner, Skillsfirst Awards. Providers should register apprentices for the relevant qualifications using the Linx2Online system. These qualifications should be delivered and assessed in accordance with VTCT s A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 5

policies and procedures which relate to qualification delivery, assessment and quality assurance. For more information on these and other qualifications please visit Ofqual s Register of Regulated Qualifications at https://register.ofqual.gov.uk or visit the relevant qualification page on the VTCT website at http//:www.vtct.org.uk. 5.3 Gateway to end-point assessment The end-point assessment is triggered by the Gateway via the employer (or provider) contacting VTCT stating the apprentice is ready to complete their end-point assessment. This will be when the employer, in consultation with the training provider if appropriate, considers the apprentice can consistently demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required of a competent hairdresser or barber, as set out in the Hair Professional standard. This decision would be based on a continuous review by the employer and training provider of the apprentice s progress and performance. The apprentice will typically have been on the apprenticeship programme for 24 months before being entered for the end-point assessment. The minimum duration for the apprenticeship programme is 12 months. Apprentices must have completed all the on-programme assessment requirements for the Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing/Barbering) and achieved the required level of English and maths before being put forward for the end-point assessment. An online declaration form must be completed by the provider to confirm to VTCT that the apprentice has: 1. Been on programme for a minimum of 12 months 2. Completed the regulated Hair Professional qualification in hairdressing or barbering; and 3. Achieved Maths and English qualifications at a minimum of Level 1 The online declaration form must be completed and signed by the provider at the time of scheduling the end-point assessment using VTCT s online system. An end-point assessment cannot be scheduled without a completed declaration for each and every apprentice being put forward for assessment. The Gateway process and end-point assessment should run as a concurrently as possible. Providers should ensure that apprentices have had support and practice in conducting practical observations and responding to oral questions in preparation for the end-point assessment. The needs of apprentices that require reasonable adjustments should be met. 5.4 End-point assessment It is the employer s responsibility to choose the end-point assessment organisation, though it is likely that in reality this will happen in liaison with the provider. This section describes the endpoint assessment for the Hair Professional Apprenticeship where VTCT is the chosen body for the end-point assessment. The end-point assessment will be conducted by a VTCT Independent Assessment Examiner (IAE). All examiners are fully trained, standardised to ensure consistent assessment decisions and must adhere to a strict code of conduct. A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 6

5.4.1 Choosing an end-point assessment delivery model VTCT is committed to provide a range of cost effective solutions to support the varying types of training providers through the end-point assessment process. The maximum number of apprentices that can be assessed at any one time by a single IAE is eight. Initially, VTCT will support two end-point assessment models which providers will need to decide upon for their apprentices, these are as follows: Model 1 - end-point assessment at the training/employer s centre/workplace (own centre) This model is suited to larger providers whereby three or more apprentices are ready to sit their end-point assessment on a single day s assessment. Apprentices and centres together must source models. A base fee will be charged for the first three apprentices with an additional fee of 150 charged for each additional apprentice up to a maximum of 8 for hairdressing and 16 for barbering. The fees for hairdressing and barbering are as follows: Number of apprentices for assessment* Hairdressing fee* Maximum 6 hour assessment Barbering fee** Maximum 3 hour assessment 3 (Base fee) 1,000 700 4 (Base fee plus 150 per additional apprentice) 1,150 850 5 1,300 1,000 6 1,450 1,150 7 1,600 1,300 8 1,750 1,450 9 N/A 1,600 10 N/A 1,750 11 N/A 1,900 12 N/A 2,050 13 N/A 2,200 14 N/A 2,350 15 N/A 2,500 16 N/A 2,650 *The maximum IAE to apprentice ratio for hairdressing is 1:8. A maximum of 8 apprentices can be assessed in one day by a single IAE. Centres that wish to assess 9 or more apprentices will incur an additional base fee to cover the cost of a second day or second IAE on the same day. A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 7

** The maximum IAE to apprentice ratio for barbering is 1:8. A maximum of 16 apprentices can be assessed in one day which will comprise 2 sessions each with 8 apprentices. Model 2 - end-point assessment at a host centre This model is suited to smaller providers and those without an available centre to conduct the end-point assessment. VTCT will publish an annual timetable of host centres by region for which a standard fee will be charged by apprentice. Centres will schedule apprentices for their end-point assessment. Apprentices will be required to provide their own models and should come prepared with their own products, tools and equipment for the assessment. The standard end-point assessment fees are as follows: hairdressing = 350; barbering = 300. Prior to the undertaking of any end-point assessment. 5.4.2 Arranging the end-point assessment Irrespective of the end-point assessment model selected, whether this be at the provider s centre or host centre the end-point assessment must be booked using VTCT s online endpoint assessment scheduler. A declaration must be completed for all apprentices at the time of scheduling to confirm that all prerequisites have been achieved. Available assessment dates and sessions will be published four months in advance. Sessions will be closed 14 days prior to the end-point assessment and cannot be scheduled after this time. Providers with three or more apprentices to be assessed should select end-point assessment at own centre along with one of the available dates on offer whereby an IAE will conduct the provider directly to arrange the end-point assessment at the preferred location. Providers who wish to confirm an end-point assessment date at their own centre in advance of four months should contact the centre processing team directly to arrange this. Providers with one or two apprentices to be assessed should select end-point assessment at host centre, their preferred host centre and the date and time of the assessment session. Providers with a large number of apprentices for assessment that do not have or have access to their own centre to conduct the end-point assessment should book apprentices in at host centres for their assessment. Apprentices will be required to provide their own models and should attend prepared with their own products, tools and equipment for the end-point assessment. 5.4.3 Conducting the end-point assessment The end-point assessment stage will provide a snap shot holistic assessment of the apprentice s practical skills, similar to an industry trade test. The apprentice will demonstrate that he/she can complete a range of services on a number of models to industry standards and within commercial timings. The apprentice s consultation skills, communication skills, safe working practices, professionalism, values and behaviours will be assessed by practical observation and oral questioning. A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 8

Route 1: Hairdressing end-point assessment The apprentice will be assessed carrying out consultation for all services completed during the assessment. The apprentice must shampoo and condition hair as part of at least one service of the end assessment. The skills, knowledge and behaviours set out in the standards will be assessed through practical observation and oral questioning by the Independent Assessment Examiner. The criteria to be assessed and the specific requirements of each activity to be conducted within the end-point assessment are presented in the Hair Professional Assessment Plan which can be downloaded at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/580177/hair_pr of_assessment_plan.pdf Apprentices are required to work on a minimum of two models. The apprentice is responsible for providing suitable models for the end-point assessment, and the employer and training provider should support where necessary. The models can be familiar to the apprentice. The end-point assessment will take a maximum of six hours excluding breaks. Route 2: Barbering end-point assessment The apprentice will be assessed carrying out consultation for all services completed during the assessment. The apprentice must shampoo and condition hair as part of at least one service of the end assessment, this maybe more as appropriate. The skills, knowledge and behaviours set out in the standards will be assessed through practical observation and oral questioning by the Independent Assessment Examiner. The criteria to be assessed and the specific requirements of each activity to be conducted within the end-point assessment are presented in the Hair Professional Assessment Plan which can be downloaded at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/580177/hair_pr of_assessment_plan.pdf Apprentices are required to work on a minimum of two models. The apprentice is responsible for providing suitable models for the end-point assessment, and the employer and training provider should support where necessary. The models can be familiar to the apprentice. The end-point assessment will take a maximum of three hours excluding breaks. 5.4.4 Assessment and grading Apprentices should present for their end-point assessment at the scheduled time, providing their own models and prepared with their own products, tools and equipment for the end-point assessment. The IAE will lead and coordinate the end-point assessment in line with the Hair Professional Assessment Plan and will assess and grade apprentices as Pass or Distinction. The grade for the end-point assessment will be based on a holistic judgement made by the IAE across the apprentice s performance in both the practical demonstration and oral questioning and will be in line with the following grade descriptors: A Pass apprentice is capable of managing and running a column within expected service times, works safely and hygienically at all times and has a professional approach to work. They can competently use a range of techniques, methods, tools and products to achieve accurate finished looks. Their product and service advice is sound, evidences a good understanding that includes how to use products and maintain style. Client comfort is maintained throughout all services. They are able to respond to any questions accurately A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 9

A Distinction apprentice, in addition to meeting the criteria in the Pass descriptor are confident, organised and proactive in their approach to work, they continually manage and use time effectively and demonstrate a constant attention to detail in all aspects of their work. They are capable of combining and adapting a full range of techniques, methods, tools and products to maximise the effects of all finished looks, consistently taking into consideration all factors thinking both about the immediate effects and the longer term maintenance and management. Their product and service advice goes beyond the basic, is backed up with evidence of a full depth of understanding that is used to shape and influence service outcomes appropriately. Client comfort is considered throughout all services, continually going the extra mile to meet customers needs so that the service experience is as good as possible. They are consistently able to respond to any questions asked with full justification for any decisions made or advice given, further evidencing a full depth of understanding. Apprentices who do not achieve the required Pass standard will be issued with a Fail grade and will be required to retake the end-point assessment at a later date. 5.4.5 Issuing end-point assessment results The IAE will not issue grades on the day of the end-point assessment. Grades will be made available to the provider within 48 hours of the end-point assessment. It is the responsibility of the provider to inform apprentices of their grade and to provide feedback in line with the IAEs report. The grade awarded for the end-point assessment will be the grade that is awarded for the regulated VTCT qualification and the overarching Apprenticeship. Apprentices who wish to enquire about or appeal against an end-point assessment result issued by VTCT should refer to the VTCT Complaints and Appeals Policy for End-point Assessments. 6. Certification of the apprenticeship On the successful achievement of the end-point assessment the Apprentice will be issued with two certificates, both of which will include the grade achieved in the end-point assessment: Certificate 1 VTCT Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing or Barbering) Issued by VTCT Certificate 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship Certificate Issued by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), claimed by VTCT as the registered apprentice assessment organisation responsible for the end-point assessment There is no requirement for providers to manually trigger the release of certificates. Certificates will be issued and claimed from the ESFA as part of an automated process when the learner achieves the end-point assessment. On receipt of certificates, apprentices are eligible to join the Hair Council and become a State Registered Hairdresser (SRH) or Barber (SRB). A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 10

7. End-point assessment organisations Organisations that wish to deliver the end-point assessment for the Hair Professional Apprenticeship must do so in accordance with the published Assessment Plan, and be approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). The end-point assessment is the final stage of a qualification, the Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing/Barbering). The achievement of this qualification, including the end-point assessment, is a mandatory requirement for the Hair Professional apprenticeship. End-point assessment is carried out by assessment organisations on the Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations (RoAAOs). As the Hair Professional Apprenticeship includes a qualification and the end-point assessment is an integral part of the qualification, assessment organisations must also be Awarding Organisations (AOs), regulated by Ofqual for delivery of the Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing/Barbering). All approved organisations are shown on the List of Assessment Organisations for Apprenticeships on the ESFA s website. VTCT has the assessment expertise and necessary resources to undertake the end-point assessment having a large number of trained IAEs that are regionally spread and available for conducting independent assessments. Standard setting takes place on a regular basis to ensure that VTCT s IAEs are consistent in their assessment decisions. 8. Becoming an end-point assessment host centre Centres seeking to become a recognised end-point assessment centre should complete an Application to become an end-point assessment centre and submit this to VTCT s Centre Processing department. On receipt of an application VTCT may instruct an IAE to undertake a centre approval visit. Approval visits will be conducted at the discretion of VTCT s External Quality Assurance Manager and will depend on the current network of host centres and the regional demand for additional assessment centres. Interested centres should first familiarise themselves with the criteria that must be met to become an end-point assessment host centre. The criteria are specified in the document entitled Approval Report for End Point Assessment Centres. Centre approval to become an end-point assessment host centre will be judged against these criteria. A Guide to Endpoint Assessment Hair Professional v3 11