What are the beauty therapy courses available?

Beauty therapy is a skilled profession which requires training and guidance in order to become a practice therapist. Training courses in beauty therapy can focus primarily on beauty, or can also incorporate nail art, and tanning. Beauty therapists and nail technician training can be completed through apprenticeships at a local training provider or college, through prestigious beauty schools, or by distance learning.

Apprenticeships and vocational training

The beauty therapy apprenticeship is primarily for school leavers, who are wishing to embark upon a career in beauty and obtain an NVQ Level 2. The learning of the apprenticeship is structured through work shadowing, whereby the apprentice will shadow a senior therapist, assisting her with basic treatments to begin with and gradually building up to more complex treatments as the apprentice progresses through the course and becomes more experienced. The apprentice will learn about the skin, how to complete a facial, eyebrow shaping, waxing tanning and correct application of make-up. The apprentice will also be taught customer care skills. With the advanced apprenticeship, more complex beauty techniques will be learned. In order to complete the advanced apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3), the apprentice must have secured employment as a beauty therapist. One can also become a beauty therapist by vocational training is through a local college who may offer the NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in beauty therapy, for those who are over 25. These courses often take place on an evening. These NVQs are structured the same as the apprentice NVQs but the trainee is not classed as an apprentice. Local colleges will be able to provide further information about which courses they offer. The Carlton Institute provide a wide range of beauty (UK) courses, but do require attendance at a training centre. Their website provides further information about where their training centres are located and the courses they offer.

Distance learning

There are a variety of distance learning options available, but the downside to this training is that the trainee does not obtain any practical experience in the workplace. NCFE offer qualifications through various online training providers, and courses cover all aspects of beauty therapy, from applying make-up to nail art and nail care. There are also nail courses which are available. Online beauty courses are often not vocational qualifications, so it is important to consider before enrolling on any course whether a college or apprenticeship route may be best to obtain the practical experience whilst training. If opting for a distance learning qualification, it may be advisable to undertake some kind of voluntary work within a working beauty or nail salon or work shadow a senior therapist. Distance Learning in Beauty Therapy offered by:
- Stonebridge
- ICS Learn