A new Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard has been created to provide a recognised, government-funded pathway for beauty therapists to advance into aesthetics. It is now open for consultation.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has launched the consultation for a standard that covers therapists specialising in skin rejuvenation.
With a new licensing scheme for aesthetic treatments still in discussion, this standard has been created to help regulate education for the aesthetics industry.
What does the Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard cover?
The new apprenticeship standard has been developed to ensure professional competency in advanced skin rejuvenation procedures.
It encompasses a wide range of advanced techniques and procedures, including:
- Superficial and medium-grade chemical peels
- Microneedling and microinjury procedures
- Light-based skin rejuvenation techniques
- Mesotherapy using intradermal procedures
- Combination therapy approaches
- Advanced skin blemish removal procedure
It also covers professional standards and competencies including:
- Advanced health and safety protocols
- Infection-control measures
- Emergency planning/complication management
- Current legal and regulatory requirements
- Professional consultation procedures
- Client welfare assessment and evaluation
- Detailed skin analysis and classification
- Customised procedure planning
- Professional record-keeping and data protection
- Business management and ethical practices
What are the entry requirements for the Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship?
This specialised apprenticeship pathway is designed for practitioners who have:
- Completed an English Level 3 Regulated Beauty Therapy qualification or equivalent regulated qualification
- Successfully undertaken regulated anatomy and physiology qualifications at Level 3
- Achieved the Advanced Beauty Therapy Professional Apprenticeship Standard or well being and Holistic Therapist Apprenticeship Standard
- Achieved an NVQ/SVQ regulated qualification in either the general Beauty therapy route or massage route
Commenting on the launch, Diane Hey, chair of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group for Beauty, Wellbeing and Aesthetics professional standards, said: "This new apprenticeship standard marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our industry and is testament to the commitment of the Trailblazer members.
She added, "Through extensive collaboration with employers, sector experts, educational specialists, regulators and industry organisations, we've developed a robust pathway that ensures practitioners can deliver skin rejuvenation procedures safely and effectively. This standard will help raise the bar for professional practice within the industry".
Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation, emphasised the significance of this development for career progression, adding: "The introduction of this Level 5 standard provides a crucial, government-funded pathway for beauty therapists to advance into the aesthetics sector.
She added, "This represents a major step forward in creating clear progression routes within our industry. Beauty therapists can now see a defined career pathway from their initial qualifications through to advanced aesthetic practice, supported by formal apprenticeship funding.
"This is exactly the kind of professional development opportunity our sector needs to continue growing and maintaining high standards."
Jo Lancaster, NHBF quality and standards manager - Beauty and Aesthetics, added: "This standard is transformative in creating a level playing field between the beauty and medical aesthetics sectors.
"By establishing clear, comprehensive competencies and training requirements, we're ensuring that beauty professionals can develop their skills to deliver advanced treatments safely and effectively, while maintaining the highest professional standards.
"This helps bridge the traditional divide between medical and beauty routes into aesthetics, creating a more unified and professional industry."
The Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship consultation period
The standard is now available for public consultation on the IfATE website here.
Beauty and aesthetics industry professionals are encouraged to review and provide feedback on this important development in professional aesthetics education.
