Certificate in Barbering (MADE): C&G (Level 5) - Fast Track
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Course overview
Shape your future and your craft with MADE: The Academy for Modern Barbering @ Kelvin.
This year-long course offers a supportive and structured route into the fast-paced world of barbering.
Designed for school leavers, younger learners and those who’ll benefit from additional employability support, it combines practical barber training with a strong focus on personal development and work readiness.
Delivered by industry professionals and Glasgow Kelvin College’s qualified lecturers, MADE @ Kelvin offers recognised City & Guilds certification and real barbershop experience within our commercial salon at Springburn Campus.
You’ll learn everything from client consultation and cutting techniques to social media marketing and customer care, developing the confidence to work with clients and build your own professional profile.
This course is delivered over 36 weeks (2.5 days per week) — a flexible alternative to our intensive 18-week fast-track route — and includes an employability strand to help you take your first confident step into the industry.
This course is ideal for:
- School leavers or beginners interested in a creative, hands-on career.
- Learners who would benefit from a slower-paced, supportive training environment.
- Individuals looking to gain both technical barbering skills and employability experience.
- Anyone with a genuine interest in the barbering industry and enthusiasm to learn.
You will be provided with an essentials barbering kit that suits this level of learning.
What you will learn
You’ll gain the knowledge, confidence and technical ability to begin your barbering career. Training covers both practical and theoretical areas, including:
- Working in the Industry – customer service, teamwork and communication.
- Health & Safety – professional standards and safe salon practice.
- Tools, Products & Equipment – understanding and maintaining your barbering kit.
- Consultation Skills – assessing client needs and delivering quality service.
- Shampooing & Conditioning – techniques including scalp massage.
- Cutting Men’s Hair – foundation cutting and clipper control.
- Facial Hair Shaping – trimming, blending and beard design.
- Styling Techniques – finishing skills for professional results.
- Social Media & Self-Promotion – building your online barber profile.
- Employability & Personal Development – confidence, communication and client building.
Learning takes place through practical sessions, theory lessons and live model work in our on-site barbershop.
Entry requirements
✅ No prior barbering experience required
✅ A genuine interest and enthusiasm for the barbering industry
✅ Self-motivation and commitment to home study and practice
✅ A strong personal statement will support your application and help ensure the right course placement
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Qualified barbers are in high demand, with opportunities to work:
💈 As an employed barber in established salons
✂️ As a self-employed or freelance barber
Future prospects
After completing this course, you’ll achieve a City & Guilds qualification and be invited to graduate with Glasgow Kelvin College.
You may progress to Level 3 City & Guilds Barbering training or move directly into employment as a junior barber within a professional barbershop.
