Alton College Announces Launch of new Technical Courses

Alton College is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new technical curriculum, marking an exciting and innovative step forward in technical education for the local community. At a time when technical provision is becoming increasingly invaluable for the modern workplace, Alton College is expanding to meet the needs of its community, investing in high-quality resources and creating new opportunities for young people across East Hampshire.

Launching from September 2026, new Level 1 and Level 2 Hair & Beauty Diplomas, as well as a Level 1 Construction Skills Extended Certificate, will provide clear progression routes into employment, apprenticeships and further study. Applications are now open, and involvement from local employers in curriculum development has already been strong. 

These new courses represent just the first step in an exciting new curriculum at Alton College, designed to support young people, adult learners and future apprentices with technical education that reflects the genuine standards of industry and skills that employers are actively seeking. 

The launch of these courses closely follows the College’s first Alton College Community Forum, where employers, community partners and stakeholders came together to discuss local skills needs, workforce challenges and future opportunities. A clear message emerged from those conversations - technical and vocational pathways matter, and local people need access to high-quality provision close to home.

These new technical courses respond directly to that feedback, ensuring the College continues to play a central role in supporting economic growth, employability and breaking down barriers to social mobility by bringing provision closer to the community.

Students on the Hair & Beauty courses will train in a high-quality on-site salon, resourced to industry standards and designed to replicate a real workplace environment. From day one, learners will develop technical competence alongside the professional behaviours expected by employers, including communication, customer care, time management and presentation.

Meanwhile, the construction course will allow students to explore a variety of different trades, with learning mirroring real construction sites and professional practice. Learners will be able to develop their proficiency in a number of core trades, alongside essential knowledge in health and safety, sustainability and digital technologies. 

Employer partnerships are embedded throughout the curriculum, with local salon owners and professionals contributing through work experience placements, demonstrations, mock interviews and feedback, ensuring that learning remains relevant, current and purposeful. 

Speaking about the introduction of these technical courses at Alton College, Kurt Hintz, Interim Principal and CEO, said:

“The UK is facing a significant skills shortage. At Alton College, we are playing our part locally by expanding the curriculum to meet employer demand, reducing the number of NEETs and ensuring that our learners leave College with the skills our region needs to thrive in the future.”

Alton College is proud to continue to meet the needs of both employers and the local community by offering high-quality technical education that leads to real outcomes. Learners will leave with the skills, confidence and ambition to progress directly onto higher level courses, apprenticeships or direct employment. 

This latest expansion of the curriculum is just one example of how Alton College is growing, adapting and responding to the needs of its region. 

Find out more about these brand new courses and apply here: 

Hair & Beauty: https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/course-finder/?learning_type=&keyword=&campus=1150&study_type=&interest=8488 

Construction:

https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/courses/alton-campus/alton-campus/construction-skills-multi-skills-level-1-extended-certificate-alton/