VTCT Skills is proud to continue its support of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) for the 2026/27 academic year, helping to celebrate achievement, develop talent and inspire the next generation of professionals across the hair, barbering, beauty, make-up and therapy sectors.
Founded in 1963, the AHT is one of the UK’s longest-established professional networks, with more than 60 years of experience supporting learners, educators and industry professionals to connect, compete, develop and celebrate their achievements.
Through its regional and national competitions, industry conferences, awards programmes and professional development opportunities, the AHT continues to play an important role in supporting the development of skilled professionals and educators across the sector.
The new academic year marks an exciting new chapter for the AHT, with the organisation unveiling a refreshed brand identity and new logo which will feature on future certificates for competition winners, ambassadors and members, providing a fresh visual identity for the organisation as it looks ahead to the future.
Claire Pye, Head of Further Education and Independent Training Providers at VTCT Skills, said:
“We are delighted to continue supporting the AHT and the fantastic opportunities it provides for learners, educators and industry professionals. Competitions, events and professional development play such an important role in building confidence, celebrating talent and raising standards across our sectors. We’re excited to be part of what promises to be another fantastic year for the AHT and look forward to seeing the achievements of learners and professionals throughout 2026/27.”
VTCT Skills will be supporting a range of AHT competitions throughout the coming academic year, with details of exciting new regional and direct-entry competitions set to be announced over the next few months.
One key date for the diary is the AHT National/Direct Competitions, taking place on 9–10 May 2027 at Norcalympia, inside the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.
The competitions will provide another fantastic opportunity for talented learners and professionals to showcase their creativity, technical skills and passion for their chosen sector.
The 2027 AHT Conference, supported by VTCT Skills, will take place on 13–14 March 2027 at the Village Hotel in Blackpool.
The event will bring together professionals from across the sector for two days of CPD, networking and professional development, alongside the AHT Membership AGM.
The conference will also culminate in an Award Celebration Evening, recognising the outstanding work of staff who support and develop their learners and trainees, helping to inspire and prepare the stylists, barbers and beauty therapists of tomorrow.
With a new brand, exciting competitions and a packed programme of events ahead, 2026/27 promises to be an exciting year for the AHT and VTCT Skills is delighted to be supporting the organisation every step of the way.