Course overview
The Beauty Therapist programme is designed for individuals working in the hair and beauty industry, providing treatments in salons, spas, cruise ships, and luxury or bespoke beauty environments. This programme equips learners with the skills to deliver essential one-to-one beauty therapy treatments while maintaining high professional standards and supporting the organisation’s reputation and commercial success. Beauty therapists play a key role in providing high-quality services in safe, professional, and client-focused settings.
Throughout the programme, learners will develop essential skills in client care, treatment delivery, and business operations. They will gain knowledge of how to follow legal, industry, and organisational requirements, including health and safety, and understand how to work efficiently within commercially viable timescales. The programme also emphasises the importance of professionalism, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and strong communication skills to build effective relationships with clients, colleagues, and other professionals.
Beauty therapists must be able to work independently or as part of a team, applying a good work ethic, attention to detail, and precision in all treatments. This programme also supports learners in maintaining continual professional development and developing the confidence to work without supervision. By the end of the programme, participants will be fully equipped to deliver essential beauty treatments safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, while contributing to the success and reputation of their workplace.
The learner journey
1. 15 months* on-programme – This is when the individual will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will support them for their End-Point Assessment. The learner could partake in a combination of activities, such as classroom based sessions, mentoring, shadowing, bespoke resources and off-site visits in order to support their learning and development.
From 1 August 2025, apprentices must complete at least 187 hours of off-the-job (OTJ) training over a minimum of 8 months, with some standards requiring more for those without prior learning. Learn more about OTJ training hours.
2. Gateway – After the 15 months* teaching and learning, you, your training provider and the learner will review the learners journey and decide whether it is the right time for the on-programme assessment.
3. End-Point Assessment – This is when your learner will need to demonstrate they have learnt the required knowledge, skills and behaviours, through an on demand knowledge test, a professional discussion, practical observation and business project.
* Programme subject to change in January 2026.
Eligibility
Those with an annual wage bill of less than £3m do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Instead, 95% of each apprenticeship is funded by the government whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer to enhance the skills of their employee.
- Employers are also be eligible for a £1000 incentive payment if the apprentice is aged 16–18.
- Employers with less than 50 employees and where the apprentice is aged 16–18, the government will fund 100% of the apprentice and are eligible for a £1000 incentive payment.
- Employers with those aged 19+ the government will continue to fund 95% of the apprenticeship programme whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer.
Businesses can manage this through the Apprenticeship Service online account.
Find out more
To learn additional information about this apprenticeship, you can explore our Course Sheet or Learner Journey.
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