Vocational Academy - Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies
Opportunities in the North West
In these celebrity-led times, the business of looking and feeling great has become a way of life. Locally, the career opportunities in this industry are very good. The spa industry is booming, with all the major hotels offering spa facilities and even the smaller ones starting to get in on the act. There are numerous independent salons and with relatively low rents, the possibility to set up on your own. Sports therapy is also an area on the up, with most gyms, health clubs and sporting/running clubs employing their own sports therapist. Now that Blackpool is a Premiership town, skilled therapists can look forward to even more exciting opportunities becoming available.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
- Hair and Beauty
Level 1
If you have completed a GCSE programme and have at least half a day’s work experience
- Introduction to the Hair and Beauty sector
Level 2
If you have completed the Level 1 programme
Hairdressing and Barbering
- Diploma in Ladies Hairdressing
- Diploma in Barbering
Beauty and Related Therapies
- Diploma in Beauty Therapy
- Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up
- Diploma in Nail Enhancement
- Diploma in Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Level 3
If you have the relevant Level 2 qualification
Hairdressing and Barbering
- Diploma in Ladies Hairdressing
- Diploma in Barbering
Beauty and Related Therapies
- Diploma in Beauty Therapy
- Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up
- Diploma in Nail Enhancement
- Diploma in Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Diploma in Body and Spa Therapy
If you have 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Science
- Beauty Therapy – BTEC National
- Sport and Exercise Science – BTEC National
Career Low-Down
| Job title | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdresser | Use a range of cutting and styling techniques to improve the personal appearance and confidence of clients. | Up to £30,000 or more a year. | A related level 3 qualification and on-the-job training. The more qualifications you get the more you will earn. |
| Beauty Therapist | Use a range of facial and body treatments to enhance the appearance and improve the wellbeing of clients. | From £11,000 to over £20,000 a year. | |
| Nail Technician | Care for, repair and extend nails to improve their appearance. May also use nail art techniques. | From £10,000 up to £28,000 a year. | |
| Massage Therapist | Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues of the body to promote the health and wellbeing of their clients. | From around £11,000 to £40,000 or more a year. | |
| Sports Therapist | Work with a wide range of people, treating people in sports injuries clinics, or working directly with professional or amateur sports teams. | From £17,000 to £35,000 a year. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Gabriella Hargreaves
Age: 19
High School: Lytham
Course: Levels 2 and 3 Nail Services
Why College?
I did work experience at a local salon and decided I wanted to pursue a career in nails. Ansdell Campus was really close to home too.
What’s good?
Our class was really close – we all got on well and supported each other.
What’s best?
My tutor was always pushing us to do better and kept us up-to-date with current events. She got me through.
What’s next?
I won the UK silver medal at the WorldSkills competition while at College and I’m still entering as many competitions as I can to build up my trophies and stay competitive. Eventually I’d like to own my own salon.
Best nail polish:
OPI
