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Qualifications for African type hair by 2008

The first ever qualifications specifically for African type hair are likely to be available from early 2008.

National Occupational Standards (NOS), which provide the basis for all vocational qualifications used in hairdressing, have been created by the industry’s lead body, Habia, after research showed huge demand for separate African type hair qualifications.

The standards are a framework that describes what an individual needs to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function in a particular industry. They are developed by employers, educators, associations and industry professionals working together through Habia’s industry forums and expert working groups.

Previously, African type hair skills had been included in the traditional hairdressing and barbering standards. However, research by Habia showed that there was growing demand for separate standards for African type hair.

So far, a working group of African type hair experts, set up by Habia in January 2006, has developed 36 new units for African type hair over three levels, as well as new assessment strategies for any qualifications that will be developed. During the process, the decision was also taken to use the term African type hair rather than African Caribbean hair, as the standards refer to a hair type that is found amongst all people and is not just specific to people from an African Caribbean background.

Further consultations are currently being conducted by Habia into the content of the units and qualification structures.

The final draft standards will be submitted to the regulatory government authorities for final approval in November 2006. Once approved, it is likely that vocational qualifications specifically for African type hair will begin development by awarding bodies in 2007.

Habia is the government approved standards setting body for hair, beauty, nails, spa therapy, barbering and African-Caribbean hairdressing, and creates the standards that form the basis for all qualifications including NVQs, SVQs and Apprenticeships, as well as codes of practice. It also provides guidance on careers, business development, legislation, salon safety, equal opportunities, and is responsible to government on industry issues such as training and skills.

For more information, go to www.habia.org.