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Level 3
Hair, Wigs, Make up and Prosthetics Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
COURSE OVERVIEW
Technicians in this occupation work across theatre, TV, film, fashion, commercials and print media.
The broad purpose of the role is to uphold high standards of hygiene and technical application in the creation and application of hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics for performers/actors/models, across different periods, cultures and production types.
Typical duties include:
Interpreting production briefs or designer requirements and producing detailed plans (reference sheets, notes, timelines) for hair, wig, make-up and prosthetic work.
Working with hair (cutting, colouring, setting, styling), wig-making (wefts, switches, facial hair, knotting, sewing), character make-up (face/body, airbrush, special effects), and prosthetics (life-casting, mould making, applying bald caps, wounds, stage bloods) for live or recorded performance.
Applying and monitoring make-up, wigs and prosthetics during production and performances (quick-changes, continuity checks, performer comfort, allergy monitoring).
Managing equipment, materials, stock, budget and schedules; working across departments (costume, production, art, technical) and often during evenings/weekends.
During the apprenticeship the apprentice must gain the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) defined in the Standard.
At a glance:
Knowledge: e.g., history of hairstyles/make-up through the centuries; research methods; design processes including plans for hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics; health & safety legislation (hygiene, COSHH, manual handling); environmental legislation.
Skills: e.g., interpreting briefs; applying detailed plans; applying make-up/hair/wigs/prosthetics; monitoring and touching up; preparing hair/wigs/switches/wefts; making prosthetics; managing resources; personal workload planning.
Behaviours: respect for equality, diversity and inclusion; working effectively with others; attention to detail; taking ownership; balancing multiple elements of work; planning and managing time.
For employers in the performance, screen and live-event sectors, this apprenticeship builds a highly specialised role: the technician who translates a production design into the look of performers via hair, wig, make-up and prosthetic special effects. For apprentices it offers a path into creative technical work (often backstage/on-set) combining practical artistry with specialist craft, and allows them to develop both vocational competence and a nationally-recognised qualification.
FURTHER INFORMATION
This apprenticeship is suited to anyone interested in a career in Hair, Wigs and Makeup for theatre or TV&7 Film . Ideally you will have some experience in hair and makeup previously but this isn’t a requirement.
Once you complete the course you will be able to work as a Wigs/Hair technician or a makeup technician in theatre or film&TV. You can also branch out into supervision or design
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA for this apprenticeship standard incorporates:
A portfolio of evidence compiled during the on-programme phase
Assessment Method 1: an interview (typically ~90 minutes) underpinned by the portfolio.
Assessment Method 2: a practical assessment with questioning (typically over 2 days, ~12-13 hours plus questioning) where tasks reflect realistic work of a hair/wig/make-up/prosthetics technician (e.g., wig preparation, colour/styling, prosthetic creation/application/removal) under test conditions.
Grading: each method gives Fail/Pass/Distinction; overall standard grade determined accordingly.
There is no cost to an apprentice.
If you are an employer employing an apprentice over the age 21 (without an EHCP) then you are likely to pay 5% towards the training cost.
If you are an employer with an Apprenticeship levy (i.e. your payroll exceeds £3 Million) then you will pay in full from your levy account.
For further information on this apprenticeship please call 01243 812 948 or email Apprenticeships@chigroup.ac.uk