Studying beauty therapy can be the first step to a career in an ever growing and fast developing industry, which shows no signs of slowing down. It is also an industry with an endless stream of opportunities to work for a salon or to be the boss of your own business. With an increasing demand for therapists to provide the latest face and body treatments to help clients to look and feel their best, it is crucial for therapists to keep on top of trends in new products and technologies.
South West College’s (SWC) portfolio of beauty therapy programmes focuses on training therapists with specialist skills and techniques to match the level required from the industry. In addition to studying a part-time or full-time NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy, SWC also offers qualifications to develop skills for the professions of Lash Technician, Nail Technician and Make-up Artist, all of which boost a therapist’s repertoire of skills and services.
Tanya Purvis, Beauty Therapy Lecturer said:
“Our courses prepare therapists for an exciting journey in the beauty industry through a combination of practical learning with the necessary underpinning knowledge to ensure they are ready to be part of this innovative industry.
“Therapists also sample the normal day-to-day running of a commercial salon where they engage with customers and potential employers. They also gain practical skills in their chosen course. The courses are extensive and offer our students the capability to cater for their clients top to toe.”
Current students Connie McIvor and Niamh McGuigan joined the NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy having completed their A-Levels and GCSEs respectively. On completion of the NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy this summer, Connie will join Altered Image in Cookstown and Niamh will continue to work from her home salon before starting a Barbering course at the College in September.
Speaking about their time at SWC, the students agreed the course is “intense however it’s brilliant preparation for the workplace” and with distinctions in vendor qualifications including nail extensions and lash extensions under their belts, the girls are eager to start working to make beauty their business. For further information on beauty therapy programmes at South West College, please visit www.swc.ac.uk/beauty or contact Tanya.Purvis@swc.ac.uk or call 028 8225 0109.