T LEVELS START DATE POSTPONED

The launch of T levels in hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy has been deferred until next year.

to consult with employers and sector bodies to ensure the successful launch of T levels in 2024.

Caroline Larissey, NHBF director of quality and standards, said she was delighted that the DfE had taken on board concerns regarding the launch, after a meeting with DfE director Sue Lovelock.

Caroline said: ‘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.’

New innovations for accessible beauty include a voice-enabled make-up assistant app and technology advancements via smart motion, magnets and scanning.

The announcement was made by the Department of Education (DfE) and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education following consultations with Ofqual and relevant awarding bodies.

While, until recently, the original launch date had been September 2023, it was decided that more time is needed

She added: ‘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.’

In the meantime, turn to page 35 to discover why T levels are needed in the first place and what they are all about, so that by the time they are launched, you’ll be in the know.