For Hair Professional apprentices

• An observation of practical skills to include questioning from an Independent End Point Assessor (IEPA).

  • Prior to EPA each apprentice will complete an EPA planner within Collinge & Co training, this will be checked by their tutor and will include images of their model choices. This helps us to ensure the apprentice has chosen accurately and has the best chance of completing their EPA successfully.
  • If an apprentice fails they can re-sit their EPA, but this will require a payment from their employer.
  • Apprentices can fail EPA or achieve either PASS or DISTINCTION gradings.
  • The apprentice is expected to provide their own models for EPA, it is vital they choose good models and employers are asked to support them so they are more able to achieve higher grades.
  • The EPA generally takes six hours, (excluding lunch break) during which the apprentice will complete a hair up, a cut and a colour service across two or three model/clients.

  How you can support your apprentices EPA

  • Help them to find the right model/clients - this is often a big factor in the difference between a pass or distinction. The model needs a good head of hair that is suitable to meet the EPA criteria:-
  • The cut must be a creative restyle that changes the shape and includes a least three different cutting techniques. (Apprentices cannot follow the previous cut, it must clearly alter the shape and take off a decent amount of hair)
  • The hair up must include at least 80% of the hair taken up and will require different setting and dressing techniques.
  • The blow dry must create movement, volume and curl.
  • The colour service must involve a T-Section of the head, woven to the roots and including a change of depth and tone.

  Apprentices can complete the above across two or three models and these must include at least one model with hair above shoulder length and one model below shoulder length both of which must be blown dry.

  It is the apprentices responsibility to source their model/ clients for EPA - therefore your support is greatly appreciated.

  Apprentices will receive a PASS if they cover all the criteria above to an appropriate standard, showing they can manage a column of clients, have good client care, can work within time schedules, communicate and provide advice well whilst working safely and hygienically throughout the services.

  Apprentices can achieve DISTINCTION if they cover all the above in addition to being confident, organised, pro-active, adapting techniques to maximise the finished look and thinking about both immediate and longer term management of the style so they can provide strong advice and aftercare showing a depth of understanding and skill.

EPA for Advanced and Creative Hair Professional apprentices

1. A knowledge test - generally multiple choice questions covering key knowledge criteria.

2. A professional discussion of 45 minute duration - as a part of the A&C programme, apprentices have to build their own ‘look collection’. At EPA they will present this collection to the Independent End Point Assessor (IEPA) answering questions to show their passion, creativity, understanding and knowledge.

3. An observation of practical skills with questioning - this must be completed within 5 hours and will require the apprentice to reproduce a precision cut taken from their ‘look collection’ as well as a colour conversion service on a model with previously coloured hair.

   Prior to EPA each apprentice will complete an EPA planner and this will be checked by their tutor and will include images of their model choices. This helps us to ensure the apprentice has chosen accurately and has the best chance of completing their EPA successfully.

   • Apprentices can fail EPA or achieve either PASS or DISTINCTION gradings.
   • If an apprentice fails they can re-sit their EPA, but this will require a payment from their employer.

   How you can support your apprentices EPA

   • Help them to find the right model/clients - this is often a big factor in the difference between a pass or distinction. The model needs a good head of hair that is suitable to meet the EPA criteria:-
   • The cut - must be a precision cut
   • The colour conversion - must be on a client/ model with previously coloured hair.

   Apprentices can complete the above across two models - it is the apprentices responsibility to source their model/ clients for EPA - therefore your support would be greatly appreciated.

   Apprentices will receive a PASS if they cover all the criteria above to an appropriate standard, showing they have a good understanding of the services from consultation right through to aftercare. Apprentices will need to know how to resolve problems and what to look out for within specific services. They will provide exemplary client care, can work within time schedules, communicating well and confidently throughout the client services and professional discussion. They will provide good advice to their clients and work safely and hygienically throughout.

   Apprentices can achieve DISTINCTION if they show passion - having a strong emotion or connection to their work; showcase well - displaying the best qualities and skills within the various assessments; show creativity - originality, resourcefulness, inventiveness; clearly have talent and flair - can articulate well, show strong ability, artistry which results in a superior quality to their work, distinctive elegance and style; are imaginative - shows they can broaden their thoughts and services using their ideas and research.

MOCK END POINT ASSESSMENT

In order to prepare your apprentice/s for their end-point assessment, Collinge & Co Training plan MOCK EPA’s. Tutors are swapped around so that apprentices are observed and assessed impartially and the experience is as realistic as possible. Tutors who take the role of an EPA assessor will grade the apprentice and feedback will be aimed at helping them to identify their weaker areas and consolidate on their strengths in preparation for the real event.

Please note apprentices are expected to provide their own models for the MOCK EPA. Over the course of their training Collinge & Co training will have provided an apprentice with a minimum of 100+ client/ models to enable them to hone their skills. Expecting an apprentice to provide suitable models for both their MOCK and REAL EPA’s is not a big ask and we very much appreciate your help and assistance.

Providing the right model for EPA is vital.