Beauty Therapy T Levels launch postponed until 2024

The Department of Education has announced that the launch of T Levels in Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy will be postponed from September 2023 until September 2024, which the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed. 

According to GOV.UK, T Levels are two-year courses which are carried out after GCSEs and offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college, as well as on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours which is approximately 45 days. The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England.

The postponement comes after it was decided by the Department and the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education, Ofqual and relevant awarding bodies that more time was needed to consult with employers and sector bodies to ensure a successful launch and this had to be pushed back to September 2024.

“I am delighted that the Department of Education have taken on our concerns regarding the launch of T levels,” comments Caroline Larissey, NHBF director of quality and standards.

“We need more time as a sector to introduce the T Levels to employers so that they understand that T Levels will provide a broad education offering across the sector, not a replacement for the NVQ.

“We need time to educate salon owners on T levels, the breadth of education that will be covered and the opportunity of taking a student on a work placement. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Education over the next year to ensure the successful launch of T Levels in 2024.”

Find out more about T Levels here.