2009-02-03 18:21:25 - Not-for-profit awarding body, VTCT, this week announces a unique partnership with awarding body Edexcel. With a specialism in the Hair and Beauty sector, VTCT possesses extensive knowledge and understanding of the industry and looks forward to joining with Edexcel to combine both of the bodies' expertise. Due to this partnership, students across the UK in both VTCT and Edexcel centres will be able to study for a Diploma, which is available from September 2009.

With five Diploma lines of learning already launched in 2008, the Hair and Beauty Diploma is one of five in the second batch to be introduced to the curriculum within the UK. One of only two awarding bodies to be approved to offer the Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies, VTCT is excited to enter a partnership with such a prestigious awarding body as Edexcel, which it feels will strengthen its position in offering the qualification.

Learners studying for a Hair and Beauty studies Diploma will learn about science, history and business within the industries of the Hair and Beauty sector. The Diplomas are a flexible learning route and help prepare students for their future - whether that is pursuing an

apprenticeship or NVQ in Hair and Beauty, continuing within the education sector in a different field, or going into another area of employment completely. The Diploma combines significant and valuable knowledge based learning and approximately 50 per cent of its content comprises practical and applied learning.

Nic Robinson, VTCT Director of Business Development comments: 'VTCT is thrilled to be collaborating with Edexcel as we prepare to offer the new Diploma. Whilst developing the Diploma, we have endeavored to ensure that young learners will benefit from an extremely motivating learning experience resulting in the attainment of a valuable qualification. Through its existing excellent relationships with schools and colleges, partnering with Edexcel will enable a larger number of young people to enjoy our Diplomas.'

Carol Griffiths, Head of Production Management at Edexcel says: 'I am delighted to be able to offer our centres this Diploma. With the industry expertise VTCT offers, Edexcel is confident the Diploma will be popular and successful. Providing the joint Diploma through our centres will mean many more students with an interest in Hair & Beauty will have the opportunity to take a first class qualification.'

Nic concludes: 'VTCT foresees that the Diploma will deliver knowledge, understanding and skills in the context of the Hair and Beauty industry, bringing learning to life in a way that will enthuse and motivate young people whilst not restricting them to a career in a particular sector.'

Available at foundation, higher and advanced levels, the Diplomas are equivalent to five GCSEs, seven GCSEs and three and a half A-levels respectively. VTCT is holding a number of workshops throughout 2009 to offer support and guidance to schools and colleges preparing for the implementation of the Diploma.

For more information on the Diploma and workshops please visit www.vtct.org.uk/level%20open/Diploma.htm.

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About VTCT
VTCT is one of the UK's leading QCA approved awarding bodies. With over 45 years' specialist experience, VTCT offers qualifications in Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Fitness and Sports, Holistic Health, Nail Services, Customer Services, Skills for Life and Administration. VTCT qualifications are offered through more than 500 colleges of further education and other training centres both in the UK and overseas.

VTCT is one of only two awarding bodies to be approved to offer all elements of the diplomas in Hair and Beauty Studies, and the first non-unitary small specialist awarding body to be approved to offer any of the new diplomas. The awarding body has worked in conjunction with the Hair and Beauty industry standards body, Habia, to contribute towards the content of the diploma.

As an advocate for the improvement of vocational training and education, VTCT is the proud organiser and supporter of the WorldSkills UK 2009 competitions in Beauty Therapy, Nail Technology, Media Make-up and Holistic Therapies. For information on these events, please visit www.WorldSkillsuk.org.
VTCT endeavours to continue to strengthen its presence in the vocational qualifications market in the United Kingdom, and also plans to embark on an overseas expansion plan.
For more information, please visit www.vtct.org.uk


For information from VTCT contact:
Nic Robinson
VTCT
T: 02380 684 500
F: 02380 651 493
E: nicrobinson@vtct.org.uk


For further press information contact:
Vikki Bulbeck
Mango Marketing
T: 01932 829 077
F: 01932 827 576
E: vikki.bulbeck@mangomarketing.com


About Edexcel:
Edexcel, a Pearson company, is the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally. In 2008 we delivered 8.2 million exam scripts in over 85 countries, with 4.3 million marked onscreen using the groundbreaking ePen technology. Our general qualifications taken internationally include GCSEs, AS and A Levels, IGCSEs and O Levels. Our vocational qualifications include NVQ and BTEC from entry level to Higher National Diplomas. Our entire vocational portfolio had over one million registrations across 45 countries. www.edexcel.com.