From education to employment

A cut above the rest! Hairdressing apprentices receive EPA results! 

hairdressing student using heatless curls on a practice doll

Heart of Worcestershire Colleges (HoW College) Hairdressing Apprentices have put their skills to the test and came out head and shoulders above the rest as they successfully passed their End Point Assessment (EPA) 

The apprentices, based at the College’s Redditch and Worcester campuses completed their EPA which consists of three assessment methods. The first is a knowledge-based test lasting 60 minutes of 40 multiple choice questions, the second is a practical assessment which lasts for 5.5 hours and includes working on clients to cover consultation, shampoo and condition, cutting colouring and style and finish. And the third assessment is a professional discussion which is underpinned by the portfolio of evidence that has been gathered by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship. 

Speaking about their apprenticeship, Rosie, Hairdressing apprentice said: 

“To anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship in hairdressing, I would definitely recommend! I loved being able to train whilst working in a salon and getting to know the environment. I felt supported by college throughout my whole apprenticeship which resulted in me achieving a distinction! In the future I would love to open my own salon as soon as I have enough confidence and experience to do so.” 

To find out more about apprenticeships at HoW College please visit here.


Related Articles

Top 10 independent school’s £150k sports facility completed ahead of summer

A LEADING independent school completed work on a new £150,000 multi-use sports facility. Already generating interest among prospective learners and the local community, thestate-of-the-art pitches at St Gerard’s School in Bangor have been completed ahead of the summer. The site includes a ‘next generation’ artificial grass surface which can be used for five-a-side football, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball and more. An access road, parking, running track and landscaping neighbour the development and there are plans to construct a toilet block and changing rooms in the coming months, in addition to floodlighting. The school – ranked eighth in the country in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide – has invested heavily in its infrastructure over the last 18 months. Headteacher Campbell Harrison says they plan to do even more to attract pupils and support current learners and their families. “This is not just a MUGA (multi-use games area), it is a commitment to our pupils and the community,” he said. “We have a rich academic history but are also renowned for punching above our weight when it comes to sporting activity and achievement, producing many champions and elite young athletes over the years. “Most importantly, we promote health, wellbeing and exercise, combined with fun! That’s one of the main reasons behind this new facility, which I’m sure will prove very popular with learners but also people in north west Wales keen to participate in sports like five-a-side, netball and basketball in the evenings and on weekends.” Business Manager Steve Griffiths added: “The facility is a fantastic addition to the site and further improves our physical education (PE) provision. “We have also introduced a garden and landscaping around the area to complement the ‘wellness walk’ we launched last year, and the overall redevelopment of the seven-acre site.  “We have future plans but as always our key mission is to ensure the pupils receive the best education in a warm, welcoming setting – which they do.” Having achieved a 16% rise in learners in 2024 – and with further growth expected in Years 12 and Year 7 – St Gerard’s is well placed to sustain its position as an industry leader in the face of “huge challenges” facing the private education sector. The school has reinforced its long-term vision by investing not only in the sports and outdoor facilities but in revamping the Sixth Form suite, the library, and visitor car park in addition to roof repairs, a rebrand of the logo and website, and a £150,000 heating system. The school will be holding an open event on Saturday June 7 from 10am-1pm. 

Responses