T-Levels in Hairdressing, Barbering, and Beauty Therapy delayed by a year

The launch date of wave 4 T-Levels has been deferred by one year to September 2024. This means that the T-Level in Hairdressing, Barbering, and Beauty Therapy has been delayed.

The decision was announced by IfATE and DfE, in consultation with Ofqual and NCFE.

Short for Technical Levels, T-Levels are technical qualifications for those aged 16 and above, developed in partnership by the Government, business, and education, and are two-year, Level 3 technical study programmes leading to a specific qualification.

T-Levels are college-based and are expected to replace many of the current vocational and education qualifications currently offered at Level 3.

The Government described T-Levels as "the biggest overhaul of post-school education in 70 years". 

The aim of T-Levels is to help individuals secure skilled employment by providing them with practical skills and knowledge, at least 45 days’ relevant and meaningful work placement (at no cost to employers), core English, maths and digital skills, and transferable skills for use in the workplace.

Alan Woods OBE, chief executive of VTCT, said: “We are confident in the quality of the technical development to date but agree with the department that by slowing down the roll-out, we can be certain that the T-Levels support every student to reach their potential. We remain very grateful to the salons, training providers, and trade bodies who have been so generous with their time.”

In her statement, Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education said: “T-Level qualifications will only be approved for delivery where we are sure they are good enough and can be delivered to a high standard.”

VTCT stated that it will continue to work closely with centres and providers to ensure delivery matches the high standard of the technical qualification.

After meeting Sue Lovelock, director of the department of education, NHBF director of quality and standards Caroline Larisseycommented, “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.”