The content of these Pathways have been agreed by SkillsActive Habia. These are the only apprenticeship Pathways in the Hair & Beauty sector approved for use in Wales that are eligible for Welsh Government funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Beauty Therapy Level 2 Beauty Therapy - General is 72 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Beauty Therapy
Level 3 Beauty Therapy – General is 63 credits
Level 3 Beauty Therapy – Make Up is 69 credits
Level 3 Beauty Therapy – Massage is 83 credits
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 4 Beauty Therapy
Level 4: Advanced Beauty Practices - Senior Practitioner is 85 credits
Entry requirements
Level 2 & Level 3:
There are no nationally agreed minimum entry requirements or previous experience requirements, but the following selection criteria may be used as guidance.
Because the industry has high client expectations and relies on repeat business importance is given to:
- Appropriate personal presentation including clothing, hair and personal hygiene.
- Practical, organisational and social skills.
- Attention to detail and cleanliness.
- A good sense of humour/amicable nature and communication skills whether dealing face to face with clients or speaking on the telephone.
- Willingness to work flexible hours/days as agreed in the employment contract.
- A high degree of dexterity and coordination.
- Potential apprentices with a predisposition to certain skin conditions or allergies, such as occupational dermatitis, eczema or asthma, need to understand that some of the chemicals, liquids and aerosols used in Beauty Therapy may have significant effects on their health.
Apprentices must always be interviewed by their potential employer and learning provider.
They may deem enthusiasm and passion for the subject to be more important than formal qualifications. It is for this reason that the Hair and Beauty Sector has chosen not to be overly prescriptive about entry requirements.
It is advantageous to have had previous experience of working within the Beauty Therapy, barbering or hairdressing industry.
Level 4:
In additional to the entry requirements for Level 2 & Level 3 Apprentices wishing to undertake the Level 4 pathway should ideally have a minimum of three year salon experience, however candidates with one year experience can be considered at the discretion and agreement of the employer and the provider.
Entry to the beauty pathway at this level may require the apprentice to have completed a level 3 or be able to prove this level of competence with appropriate industry experience (Level 3 Modern/Advanced Apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy ) (Level 3 S/NVQ or VRQs in Beauty Therapy or equivalent).
All candidates should be employed and aged minimum 19.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Beauty Therapy - General
Level 2: Beauty Therapy - General Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualifications below.
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy - General | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0227/7 500/8765/4 | 54 | 540 | Combined | English-Welsh |
| VTCT | C00/0210/9 500/8839/7 | 54 | 540 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Beauty Therapy - General | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Beauty Therapy - General | 471 | 202 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
54 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy General
Beauty Therapy General - 673 hours for the Foundation Apprenticeship pathway
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Beauty Therapy - General
Level 3: Beauty Therapy - General Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualifications below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy - General | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0228/0 500/8761/7 | 65 | 650 | Combined | English only |
| VTCT | C00/0211/1 500/8860/9 | 65 | 650 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Beauty Therapy - General | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Beauty Therapy - General | 529 | 227 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
65 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy – General
Beauty Therapy General - 755 hours for the Apprenticeship pathway
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Beauty Therapy – Make-up
Level 3: Beauty Therapy – Make-up Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy – Make up | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/0210/8 500/8813/0 | 45 | 450 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 3 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Beauty Therapy – Make-up | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Beauty Therapy – Make-up | 398 | 170 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
45 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Make-up
Beauty Therapy Make-up - 568 hours for the Apprenticeship pathway
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Beauty Therapy - Massage
Level 3: Beauty Therapy - Massage Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualifications below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy – Massage | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0228/1 500/8783/6 | 51 | 510 | Combined | English Only |
| ITECT | C00/0211/2 500/8861/0 | 51 | 510 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 4 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Beauty Therapy - Massage | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Beauty Therapy - Massage | 433 | 185 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
51 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy – Massage
Beauty Therapy Massage - 618 hours for the Apprenticeship pathway
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 4: Advanced Beauty Practices - Senior Practitioner
Level 4: Advanced Beauty Practices - Senior Practitioner Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
| Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Beauty Therapy | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/3475/2 603/1304/3 | 59 | 590 | Competence | English-Welsh |
| Level 4 Diploma in permanent hair removal and skin rejuvenation | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/3446/3 500/9037/9 | 72 | 720 | Knowledge | English-Welsh |
| Level 4 Certificate in micro pigmentation | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/3453/2 600/3288/1 | 32 | 320 | Knowledge | English-Welsh |
| Level 4 Award in laser and light treatments for hair removal | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/3458/2 600/4910/8 | 10 | 100 | Knowledge | English-Welsh |
| Level 4 Award in laser and light treatments for skin rejuvenation | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| VTCT | C00/3458/3 600/4911/X | 10 | 100 | Knowledge | English-Welsh |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 4: Advanced Beauty Practices - Senior Practitioner | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4: Advanced Beauty Practices - Senior Practitioner | 375 | 254 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Competence qualifications - Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Beauty Therapy - 57 credits
Knowledge qualification - Level 4 Award in Advanced Epilation - 10 credits
Advanced Beauty Practices - Senior Practitioner - 629 hours for the Apprenticeship pathway
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/60 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/60 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/60 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Other additional requirements
None
Progression
Level 2 - Beauty Therapy
Progression into:
- From a preparation for work, non-competency based qualification in Beauty Therapy.
- From the Foundation or Intermediate Level Welsh Baccalaureate Principal Learning in Hair and Beauty Studies.
- Following a Level 1 Beauty Therapy programme.
- Direct entry from school or college.
- Direct entry from another occupation.
Progression from:
- To the Advanced Level Welsh Baccalaureate Principal Learning in Hair and Beauty Studies.
- To the Level 3 Beauty Therapy apprenticeship programme.
- Into employment as a junior beauty therapist or junior nail technician or other job roles in the beauty related industries.
Level 3 - Beauty Therapy
Progression routes into:
- From a preparation for work, non-competency based qualification in Beauty Therapy.
- From the Advanced Level Welsh Baccalaureate qualification Principal Learning in Hair and Beauty Studies.
- Following completion of Level 2 in Beauty Therapy or Nail Services undertaken via either an apprenticeship (not available in Spa Therapy) or a full-time college based programme.
Progression from:
- Into employment as a beauty therapist, nail technician or spa therapist or other job roles in the beauty related industries.
- Into higher education such as a Foundation degree in Beauty Therapy and Salon Management or other programmes.
Level 4 - Beauty Therapy
Progression routes into:
There are no pre-defined entry routes, however learners wishing to progress into this apprenticeship programme could come from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of qualifications or equivalent experience but definitely a passion for working in the sector.
Learners might be already working in a level 3 beauty therapy role, managing, owning salons and/ or spas who were high performing learners or who have shown a high level of self development therefore wish to further develop their understanding and practice in the sector in order to enhance the services offered.
The expectation is that regardless of the background of the learner, they will come with years of salon experience and practice.
Progression from:
Learners may wish to progress from their apprenticeship through a variety of routes.
Learners can progress with a promotion within salons, either within salon groups or new employers. They can also get involved in franchising, and becoming employers themselves.
On completion of this pathway, learners can also progress with their studies to higher level management qualifications.
Others will gain creative confidence working on stage and in training or gain employment as a salon assessor or team leader.
Learners can also progress onto working with / for various Skin and Body care companies.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics
Apprenticeships in the sector aims to promote diversity, equal opportunity and inclusion by offering a high quality learning experience.
The delivery of the Apprenticeship must be in a setting free from prejudice and discrimination where all learners can contribute fully and freely and feel valued.
Employers/providers must be able to demonstrate their selection, recruitment and employment practices are in line with the Equality Act 2010 and there are no overt or covert discriminatory practices in relation to any of the protected characteristics.
Issues:
Limited availability of teaching and assessment of specific skills.
Barriers:
- Stereotyping still exists in the hair and beauty sector, which can limit the number of applications from young males.
- Low initial earning potential for new recruits.
- Misunderstanding of the skill levels required and the complexity of those skills.
Actions:
Habia seeks to use as many positive male images in its literature and publications as possible.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider/Employer to ensure that the requirements of this Pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Medr
Annex 1 Level 2: Beauty Therapy - General
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
A Foundation Apprenticeship pathway must identify:
The information below refers to the combined qualifications listed in Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy - General and will ensure that the qualification carries 10 credits for each element.
To achieve this qualification candidates must complete 8 mandatory units totalling 45 credits and optional units to a minimum of 9 optional credits to give an overall total of 54 credits.
The competence and knowledge elements of this qualification are separately assessed. Please see the assessment strategies which are available on our website www.habia.org.
MANDATORY UNITS
- G20 Ensure responsibility for actions to reduce the risk to health and safety - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- G18 Promote additional services or products to clients - 6 credits (2 Competence 4 Knowledge)
- G8 Develop and maintain your effectiveness at work - 3 credits (2 Competence1 Knowledge)
- B4 Provide facial skin care treatment - 8 credits (4 Competence 4 Knowledge)
- B5 Enhance the appearance of eyebrows and lashes - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B6 Carry out waxing services - 7 credits (4 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- N2 Provide manicure services - 6 credits (3 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- N3 Provide pedicure services - 6 credits (3 Competence 3 Knowledge)
OPTIONAL UNITS
- G4 Fulfil salon reception duties - 3 credits (2 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B7 Carry out ear piercing - 2 credits (1 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B8 Provide make-up services - 6 credits (4 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B10 Enhance appearance using skin camouflage - 6 credits (4 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- S1 Assist with spa operations - 4 credits (3 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B34 Provide Threading Services - 4 credits (2 Competence 2 Knowledge)
Annex 2 Level 3: Beauty Therapy - General
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
An Apprenticeship pathway must identify:
The information below refers to the combined qualifications listed in Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy - General and will ensure that the qualification carries 10 credits for each element.
To achieve the full qualification, candidates must complete 6 mandatory units totalling 55 credits and optional units to a minimum of 10 credits in order to give an overall total of 65 credits.
The competence and knowledge elements of this qualification are separately assessed. Please see the assessment strategies which are available on our website www.habia.org.
MANDATORY UNITS
- G22 Monitor procedures to safely control work operations - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- H32 Contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities - 5 credits (2 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B13 Provide body electrical treatments - 12 credits (7 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B14 Provide facial electrical treatments - 12 credits (7 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B20 Provide body massage treatments - 10 credits (5 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B29 Provide electrical epilation treatments - 12 credits (8 Competence 4 Knowledge)
OPTIONAL UNITS
- G11 Contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B12 Plan and provide airbrush make-up - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B15 Provide single eyelash extension treatments - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B21 Provide UV tanning services - 2 credits (1 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B23 Provide Indian Head Massage - 7 credits (4 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B24 Carry out massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B25 Provide self tanning services - 3 credits (2 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B26 Provide female intimate waxing services - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B27 Provide male intimate waxing services - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B28 Provide stone therapy treatments - 10 credits (6 Competence 4 Knowledge)
Annex 3 Level 3: Beauty Therapy – Make Up
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
An Apprenticeship pathway must identify:
The information below refers to the combined qualifications listed in Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy - Make-up and will ensure that the qualification carries 10 credits for each element.
To achieve the full qualification, candidates must complete 4 mandatory units totalling 25 credits and optional units to a minimum of 20 credits in order to give an overall total of 45 credits.
The competence and knowledge elements of this qualification are separately assessed. Please see the assessment strategies which are available on our website www.habia.org.
MANDATORY UNITS
- G22 Monitor procedures to safely control work operations - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- H32 Contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities - 5 credits (2 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B11 Design and create fashion and photographic make-up - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B22 Provide specialist skin camouflage services - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
OPTIONAL UNITS
- G11 Contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B12 Plan and provide airbrush make-up - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B13 Provide body electrical treatments - 12 credits (7 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B14 Provide facial electrical treatments - 12 credits (7 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B15 Provide single eyelash extension treatments - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B21 Provide UV tanning services - 2 credits (1 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B23 Provide Indian Head Massage - 7 credits (4 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B24 Carry out massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B25 Provide self-tanning services - 3 credits (2 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B26 Provide female intimate waxing services - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B27 Provide male intimate waxing services - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B28 Provide stone therapy treatments - 10 credits (6 Competence 4 Knowledge)
Annex 4 - Level 3: Beauty Therapy – Massage
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
An Apprenticeship pathway must identify:
The information below refers to the combined qualifications listed in Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy - Massage and will ensure that the qualification carries 10 credits for each element.
To achieve the full qualification, candidates must complete 6 mandatory units totalling 44 credits and optional units to a minimum of 7 credits in order to give an overall total of 51 credits.
The competence and knowledge elements of this qualification are separately assessed. Please see the assessment strategies which are available on our website www.habia.org.
MANDATORY UNITS
- G22 Monitor procedures to safely control work operations - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- H32 Contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities - 5 credits (2
Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B20 Provide body massage treatments - 10 credits (5 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B23 Provide Indian Head massage - 7 credits (4 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B24 Carry out massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B28 Provide stone therapy treatments - 10 credits (6 Competence 4 Knowledge)
OPTIONAL UNITS
- G11 Contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business - 4 credits (1 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B12 Plan and provide airbrush make-up - 8 credits (5 Competence 3 Knowledge)
- B13 Provide body electrical treatments - 12 credits (7 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B14 Provide facial electrical treatments - 12 credits (7 Competence 5 Knowledge)
- B15 Provide single eyelash extension treatments - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B21 Provide UV tanning services - 2 credits (1 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B25 Provide self-tanning services - 3 credits (2 Competence 1 Knowledge)
- B26 Provide female intimate waxing services - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)
- B27 Provide male intimate waxing services - 5 credits (3 Competence 2 Knowledge)