The Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner - Skin Rejuvenation Apprenticeship Standard has been approved by IfATE, marking a "watershed" moment for beauty therapy.
The Apprenticeship Standard was created to provide a recognised, government-funded pathway for beauty therapists to advance into aesthetics.
Following a consultation, the government-backed Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has approved the standard, which covers therapists specialising in skin rejuvenation.
With a potential licensing scheme for aesthetic treatments still in discussion, this standard has been created to help regulate education for the aesthetics industry.
Commenting on the approval, Diane Hey, chair of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group, said: "This new apprenticeship standard is a game-changer for our industry. It establishes a government-backed, fully funded route for beauty and aesthetics practitioners, ensuring a regulated pathway to qualification."
Candice Gardner, education manager – learning and content, for Dermalogica, added: “This Occupational Standard is a watershed moment for the beauty, aesthetics and wellness industry – a recognised route to career progression in aesthetics."
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
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 further on the approval, Hey added, "This is a testament to the dedication of all Trailblazer members in maintaining high standards, public safety, and professional excellence. Through extensive collaboration with employers, industry experts, educators, and regulators, we have crafted a robust apprenticeship that ensures safe and effective skin rejuvenation practices."
Gardner added, "With advanced level skills in high demand and a growing aesthetics industry, competent practitioners will now be able to prove they have the required understanding, procedural techniques, and strategies for safe and effective treatments.
"This drives up practice standards and confidence in the industry. In addition, the opportunity to develop these skills through an apprenticeship rather than requiring a break in employment, is very welcome news for practitioners and employers. ”
Jo Lancaster, quality and standards manager at the NHBF, said, "This standard represents a significant step forward in professional recognition of the aesthetics industry, to ensure practitioners are equipped with the advanced skills, knowledge and behaviours to deliver safe, effective and professional skin rejuvenation procedures.
"It also ensures there’s a clear career progression route for beauty therapists to achieve a robust apprenticeship standard, bridging the divide between the medical and beauty industry and creating a level playing field.
"A recognised, fully funded apprenticeship standard will help therapists meet future regulatory requirements while earning. This pathway will allow them to develop their skills in-clinic, benefiting both businesses and individuals."
