Occupational Profile
A Beauty therapist works in one of the largest, trusted, professional and continually expanding industries within the Hair and Beauty Sector. The work environment can be varied in size, style and ambiance, from a cruise ship, through to small bespoke salons or luxury high end beauty salons and spas. A Beauty Therapist works independently or as part of a team supported by a manager when completing treatments as a key part of a beauty business. They demonstrate a willingness to learn, have an enquiring and curious mind and are enthusiastic to learn about their chosen career. In addition, they exhibit a good work ethic applied to learning, drive and commitment to learn and maintain continual professional development. They deliver essential one-to-one Beauty Therapy treatments whilst maintaining the organisation’s image, financial viability and reputation. They complete all duties and treatments within the scope of the occupational role in accordance with legal, industry and organisational requirements within commercially viable times. They act with professionalism, without supervision and observe safe working practices to a high level of precision.
A Beauty therapist:
- carries out beauty therapy treatments in line with legal, industry and organisational requirements, maintaining honesty, integrity and confidentiality
- carries out, maintains and stores detailed and confidential beauty treatment consultations with clients, choosing the most appropriate treatments and products
- implements and practices safe ways of working for themselves and others in accordance with legal, beauty therapy and organisational requirements
- selects, uses, and applies a range of beauty therapy techniques, products, tools and equipment to provide:
- waxing services (legs, underarms, face and bikini line)
- hand and nail treatments
- foot treatments
- facial skin care treatments
- eyelash and eyebrow treatments
- make-up application
- basic massage treatments (back, neck and shoulder)
- facilitates the client journey, makes appointments, completes the services and handles payments from clients
- provides advice and recommendations on the beauty treatments and appointments
- portrays professionalism and values that meet Beauty Therapy industry requirements and expectations
- maintains standards of appearance and the salon/spa image, etiquette and hygiene
Delivery
The delivery will be done mainly at the workplace, with the off-the-job training accounting for at least 6 hours a week. The assessor will regularly visit you at work to observe you performing relevant tasks and to carry out professional discussions.
EPA summary table
Training to develop the occupational standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. Compiling a portfolio End-point assessment gateway
• Employer is satisfied the apprentice is consistently working at, or above, the level of the occupational standard.
• English and mathematics Level 2
Apprentices must develop and submit the following:
• A portfolio to underpin the professional discussion
• A Treatment Log to underpin the observation and questioning, Component 2: Technology demonstration
End-point assessment
(which will typically take 3 months)
Assessment method 1: Knowledge Test
• Fail
• Pass
Assessment method 2: Observation & Technology Demonstration
• Fail
• Pass
• Distinction
Assessment method 3: Professional Discussion
• Fail
• Pass
• Distinction
The EPA will be completed within an EPA period lasting typically of 3 months, after the EPA gateway.
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector. Typical entry requirements would be following the study or completion of a Beauty Therapy Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard or equivalent to have the fundamental foundation of the job role.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.
