There are so many different options when looking at training in the hair and beauty sector.
Entry to the sector
If you are entering the sector and looking to start your training, give careful consideration to the training provider and the accredited courses they offer, You will want to ensure you are trained to the highest professional standards, and that your qualification is nationally recognised, so you are easily able to obtain insurance from a reputable company. High standards and professionalism ensures your clients have safe and effective treatments, that you develop an excellent reputation, and that your business is successful.
Ofqual is the Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation, it is a government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests. It is often referred to as the exam 'watchdog'. Ofqual recognises Awarding Organisations (AO) and only recognised awarding organisations can offer regulated qualifications. In this way, Ofqual makes sure only those organisations that have the appropriate resources, capability and expertise can award regulated qualifications.
In the hair and beauty sector there are many Awarding Organisations that are regulated by Ofqual such as CIBTAC, City & Guilds, Focus, Pearson, TQUK, VTCT.
To check if an Awarding Organisation is registered, go to.....
For England www.ofqual.gov.uk
For Scotland www.sqa.org.uk
For Wales www.qiw.wales
For Northern Ireland - www.ccea.org.uk
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The Hair and Beauty sector is a very fast-paced, creative, ever-changing industry where new treatments, services, trends and techniques are continually developing. As a consequence of this continual change, we recommend that you frequently refresh and update your skills and knowledge. Often professionals look to undertake 30 hrs of CPD each year. If you are a Teacher/ Trainer/ Assessor check with your Awarding body so you are aware of what hours they stipulate, this will be checked by the Internal Quality Assessor (IQA) as well as an External Quality Assessor (EQA) to ensure you are up to date.