New apprenticeship for beauty, wellbeing and aesthetics approved

A new Apprenticeship Standard for beauty, wellbeing and aesthetics has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

The Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner – Skin Rejuvenation standard establishes the first government-backed, fully funded route for beauty and aesthetics therapists.

The new pathway was announced by the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group for Beauty, Wellbeing and Aesthetics. It marks a transformative step forward in regulated education.

The apprenticeship aims to help elevate professional standards and further recognise higher-level skills within the aesthetics industry.

It will ensure practitioners are equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge to deliver safe, effective and professional skin rejuvenation procedures.

“This robust apprenticeship is a testament to the dedication of all Trailblazer members in maintaining high standards, public safety and professional excellence,” said Diane Hey, chair of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group.

“Through extensive collaboration with employers, industry experts, educators and regulators, we have crafted an apprenticeship that will help ensure safe, effective skin rejuvenation practices.”

Key features of the standard

The apprenticeship has been crafted to uphold professional competency in advanced skin rejuvenation procedures.

It covers a comprehensive range of advanced skin rejuvenation techniques including superficial and medium-grade chemical peels, microneedling and light-based skin rejuvenation.

The standard also encompasses mesotherapy and advanced skin blemish removal.

The new apprenticeship covers professional standards and competencies including:

• Advanced health and safety protocols
• Infection-control
• Professional consultation procedures
• Skin analysis and classification
• Client welfare evaluation
• Current legal and regulatory requirements
• Customised procedure planning

“Advanced level skills are in high demand in the growing aesthetics industry,” said Candice Gardner, education manager, learning and content at Dermalogica UK.

“Competent practitioners will now be able to prove they have the required understanding and procedural techniques to offer safe, effective treatments. This will drive up practice standards and confidence in the industry.”

Apprenticeship entry requirements

To enter the Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship, practitioners must have an English Level 3 Regulated Beauty Therapy qualification or equivalent.

They must also have:

• A regulated anatomy and physiology qualifications at Level 3.
• Achieved either the Advanced Beauty Therapy Professional Apprenticeship Standard or the Holistic Therapist Apprenticeship Standard
• An NVQ/SVQ in either general beauty therapy or massage.

Jo Lancaster, quality and standards manager at hair and beauty sector trade organisation the NHBF, said: “This standard also ensures there’s a clear career progression route for beauty therapists. It will help to bridge the divide between the medical and beauty industries, and create a level playing field.

“A recognised, fully funded apprenticeship standard will help therapists meet future regulatory requirements while earning. This pathway will allow them to develop their skills in-clinic, benefiting both businesses and individuals.”

The next step is the official publication of these documents on the IfATE website, followed by a funding band recommendation from the Secretary of State for Education.

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