Occupational Summary
A Barber or Mens barber/ hairstylist on a Level 2 apprenticeship works in client-facing barbershops of varying size and style, delivering barbering services tailored to client requirements. Apprentices are trained to shampoo and condition hair, cut using a range of barbering techniques, style and finish hair to create varied looks, shape facial hair and provide shaving services. They carry out consultations, work with all hair types and textures (type 1 to type 4), apply safe working practices, and demonstrate professionalism, communication, retail and teamwork skills, enabling them to work without supervision to a high level of precision while promoting services and products.
This Level 2 apprenticeship comprises 58 KSBs (knowledge, skills and behaviours), typically takes 18 months to complete and has a maximum funding allocation of £9,000. End-point assessment is carried out via a knowledge test, a practical assessment and a professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
View official Skills England source text
This occupation is found in the hair and beauty sector. The Barbershop work environment is always client facing, can be varied in size, style and ambiance, from a small micro barbershop, to franchises or large high street premises. The broad purpose of the occupation is to demonstrate a range of Barbering skills tailored to client requirements, whilst providing an outstanding service. A Barbering professional at level 2 will be able to shampoo and condition hair, cut hair using a range of barbering techniques, style and finish hair to create variety of looks, cut facial hair into shape and provide shaving services. Barbers must be able to work with all hair types, characteristics and classifications ranging from straight (type 1) hair to very curly, hair with texture (Type 4 wiry hair). They also need to be able to carry out consultations with clients, demonstrate the professionalism, values, behaviours, communication skills, retail skills alongside safe working practices associated with their role. They must be able to work without supervision to a high level of precision, with exceptional client care skills. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide and diverse range of clients, the barbershop team, other associated hairdressing and beauty professionals. They should also be able to promote themselves, their organisation, products and services using a variety of channels. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for demonstrating industry standards of professionalism, values, behaviours, communication skills, team work, retail and selling skills for clients. They will also be able to complete a range of barbering services to create a variety of looks.
What's in the Delivery Pack?
Every section is tailored specifically to the ST1273 standard, using official KSB data, the published assessment plan, and sector-specific context.
KSB Interpretations
Plain-English interpretation of every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour
EPA Preparation
End-point assessment readiness, gateway checklist and method guidance
Delivery Risks
Occupation-specific risks, mitigations and early warning signs
Delivery Model Options
Model-selection guide comparing day release, block release and front-loaded approaches
On/Off-the-Job Mapping
Which KSBs are best taught by the provider vs developed in the workplace
Initial Assessment & RPL
Starting points, prior learning recognition and programme adaptation
English, Maths & Digital
Where functional skills embed naturally and standalone qualification guidance
Employer Engagement Guide
Employer commitments, progress reviews and workplace engagement guidance
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Qualifications & Recognition
Mandated Qualifications
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Barbering 603/1380/8 (Level 2)
This is an existing qualification that is required for insurance purposes, as there are no statutory or regulatory requirements.
TQUK Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Barbering) (RQF) 603/3102/1 (Level 2)
This is an existing qualification that is required for insurance purposes, as there are no statutory or regulatory requirements.
VTCT Skills Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Barbering) 603/1324/9 (Level 2)
This is an existing qualification that is required for insurance purposes, as there are no statutory or regulatory requirements.
English & Maths
English and maths qualifications must be completed in line with the apprenticeship funding rules .
Typical Job Titles
Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours
Knowledge
33- K1: Legal, organisational and health and safety requirements relevant to barbering businesses.
- K2: How to maintain effective and safe methods of working and infection control when completing barbering services.
- K3: The types of incidents, problems and accidents that can occur in a barbershop, the actions to take and your responsibili...
- K4: How to complete and implement a health and safety risk assessment.
- K5: Work related injury and ill health associated with barbering (e.g. physical injuries, posture, disorders, disease, virus...
- + 28 more items
Skills
21- S1: Apply safe, hygienic and effective methods of working and infection control.
- S2: Identify and report problems which cannot be dealt with to the relevant person(s).
- S3: Use working methods that promote environmental and sustainable working practices.
- S4: Carry out front of house duties to support the barbershop business.
- S5: Promote yourself, your organisation, products and services via a variety of social channels.
- + 16 more items
Behaviours
4- B1: Demonstrates good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- B2: Demonstrates professionalism and a passion for the industry: a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, a posit...
- B3: Facilitates safe working practices, ensures safety of self and others and challenges safety issues.
- B4: Maintains professional ethics: integrity, respect, empathy, client confidence, confidentiality and discretion.
Duties (10)
Provide a positive customer experience, showcasing yourself, your organisation and the barbering industry.
Barbershop health and safety, legal and organisational requirements.
Determine requirements, advise, discuss and agree the service with the client.
Prepare the hair for barbering services.
Cut hair using barbering techniques to create a variety of looks.
Style and finish using barbering techniques.
Cut facial hair into shape.
Provide shaving services.
Promote self, organisation, products and services using a variety of channels.
Maintain up to date knowledge and skills of new and emerging hairstyles, trends, techniques, products, tools and equipment.
End-Point Assessment
Assessment Plan
Type: HTML
Version & Source
- Version
- 1.0
- Approved for delivery
- Last changed
- 21 May 2023
- Earliest start
- 21 May 2023
- Approved for delivery
- 22 May 2023
- EQA Provider
- Ofqual
- Sector Subject Area
- 7.3 Service enterprises
- Trailblazer
- TB0044
- Last checked
- 11 Mar 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What knowledge, skills and behaviours are in the ST1273 standard?▼
The Barbering professional apprenticeship has 33 knowledge items, 21 skills, and 4 behaviours that apprentices must demonstrate.
How long is the Barbering professional apprenticeship?▼
The typical duration is 18 months, with a maximum funding band of £9,000.
What does a delivery guide for ST1273 include?▼
The KSB Planner delivery guide includes plain-English KSB interpretations, EPA preparation guidance, delivery risk analysis, on/off-the-job mapping, employer engagement strategies, and more — all tailored to ST1273.
Data sourced from Skills England. KSB Planner delivery guides are an interpretation and planning aid based on official published source material — not an official regulator-issued document.