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Courses & qualifications

Online learning, VTCT qualifications and accreditation explained.

  • Getting Started with Online Courses

    Getting Started with Online Courses

    Updated 1st November 2024.

    Achieving a recognised beauty qualification couldn’t be easier with our Accredited Online courses. Learn at your own pace, in your own time and start your own business! If you’re new to Online Courses this blog will be a useful guide through getting started with your Online Course.

    Person studying an online course on a laptop

    What’s Involved

    Our online courses are completed through our industry leading, user friendly Online Student Portal. You receive access to a wealth of high quality learning resources, written by beauty professionals including comprehensive e-manuals and detailed step by step video demonstrations. You can watch the videos as many times as you need. We include fun multiple choice online tests which are great for checking your understanding and can be retaken instantly, as often as you need to pass.

    When you feel ready, you will practice on friends / family or training hand / head as relevant to the course. You need to provide evidence of 3 case studies which are submitted easily by email and assessed against industry standards to ensure your proficiency with the treatment skills. Individual feedback to help you improve and you simply resubmit as needed until you are at a successful level to achieve. Typically students complete these courses within 2-6 weeks (committing around 2-10 hours per week to study), although you have 12 weeks to access the course resources on the portal should you need to go slower. Students can take up to 12 months to email over their case study evidence for certification, so plenty of time to practice your skills to full confidence.

    The Student Portal 

    Once you have registered for your course you will receive an email with your link to access the Student Portal. The Student portal can be accessed through desktop, tablet and phones. If you are using a tablet or phone there is an app available to download, simply visit the App Store and search SAP LITMOS. When prompted for a domain enter: thebeautyacademy followed by your log in details.

    We recommend your first point of call when you log in is the additional resources tab in your course, here you will find your practical case study materials, including consultation and feedback forms. Save this pdf file to your device or print for use when ready to start practising.

    Guidance on Case Studies 

    You will receive a detailed list of required products and equipment as part of your online course resources. Optional, selected kits are available to purchase through our website. Other beauty wholesale companies are available such as Salon Services or websites like Amazon, to allow you to source basic items to get started. Courses are not brand-specific so you can use any brand / supplier you prefer for case studies.

    When you have completed your case studies email in to support@thebeautyacademy.org and attach your before and after photos along with your client consultation form and feedback form for each treatment required.

    Your case studies will be evaluated with your certificate and/or feedback provided by email within no more than 7 working days.

    Getting Started Once Qualified

    Once you’ve achieved your online course certificate(s), you can purchase public liability (beauty treatment) insurance to begin offering your services to paying clients. We do not provide insurance ourselves but recommend several leading insurers. You can find more about our recommended insurers on our website. You’ll already have your products from completing your case studies.

    You’ll need a brand for your business – a solid name and logo. You also need to decide what basis you want to work on – from home, mobile etc. You’ll also need to register for self-assessment if starting your own business with HMRC for tax reasons. You will also need to keep records of any income earnt and any costs (along with receipts). You may want to seek advice from an accountant to get this set up initially. If you’re new to running a business, you may find our Starting a Business in Beauty Course useful.

    For marketing, you’ll need to set up social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook and even Tiktok to begin promoting your beauty business. You can also get word of mouth promotion by networking with other local businesses (e.g. hairdressers, wedding suppliers etc.) or local organisations (schools, parents groups, charities etc.) to promote your services, perhaps with an open evening offering taster treatments or gift vouchers for raffle prizes. You may want to print some business cards and a price list to share with them. Always remember to take before / after photos of your results to share online and encourage clients to share their lashes or nails on social media tagging you to help gather word of mouth. It will take a little time and patience to build a loyal client base. It is recommended to promote discounted block bookings for a course of treatments or encourage clients to book their next treatment before they leave each appointment. This helps plan future business and get your appointment diary full. Gift vouchers are also a great way to get some initial income flowing, especially around seasonal events like Mother’s Day or Christmas. If you need help with your selling skills, you might like to consider our Sales Skills for Beauty Course.

    From client feedback you gauge what future treatments you might like to learn and offer, taking on further Online Courses as required to develop the skills to keep your business going from strength to strength. Typically it takes around 6-24 months to establish a new business. For inspiration, why not take a look at some of our previous students’ success stories.

  • Advanced Aesthetics Courses.. what you need to know!

    Advanced Aesthetics Courses.. what you need to know!

    NEW Advanced Aesthetics Courses!

    Client receiving an aesthetics microneedling treatment

     

    With our NEW Advanced Aesthetics Courses launching in November, now is the time to get prepared. In this blog we’ll cover all of the actions to take for a successful roll out of the new treatments within your business.

    But firstly, what are the courses we’re offering?

    • Dermaplaning offers deep exfoliation removing dead skin cells, blockages, make up and vellus hair from the upper layer of the surface of the skin using a surgical scalpel to refine skin. (1/2 day training £349)
    • Microneedling also known as dermarolling or collagen induction therapy is administered using a dermaroller or automated pen applicator to stimulate collagen growth and repairing of skin. (1/2 day training £349)
    • Skin Peels, often known also as ‘chemical’ peels work using natural acids to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells using specialised products applied topically to the skin. (1/2 day training £225)
    • LED Light Therapy works to soothe the skin, boosting natural skin healing following more invasive treatments and is hugely rejuvenating for the skin. (1/2 day training £199)

     

    We will also be combining the courses into a 2 day training package. This training package combines all of our Advanced Aesthetics Courses for £1099.

     

    Get prepared.. Here are our top considerations for getting started with these new treatments!

    Prerequisites for study

    As the new courses are advanced treatments that can impact the skin on a molecular level, you will need to have the skills and knowledge to safely deliver these services to your clients. We will require all attendees to be experienced in delivering facial skin care at a professional level.

    There will be the following prerequisite qualifications needed to attend the courses:

    • VTCT Level 2 (or equivalent) in Facials
    • VTCT Level 3 (or equivalent) in Electrical Facials.

     

    Not yet qualified? No need to panic, we have reduced the cost of these courses by £400 until the 28th October, so now is the time to book and start your journey towards becoming an Advanced Aesthetics practitioner.

     

    Marketing

    Now is the time to start promoting the treatments to your clients. Your current Facial clients are the ideal place to start, these treatments will also attract new clients more interested in instant results! Below are a few ways to get started with promoting the new treatments.

    Existing Facial clients:

    • Send out e-blast messages sharing the benefits of the new treatments
    • Hold a launch event, offer mini treatment tasters and demonstrations, these could be themed around the festive season or ‘new year new you’
    • Run an introductory offer for your loyal clients
    • Change your answering phone message to highlight ‘what’s new’
    • Link to your retail products as a way of maintaining their skin and increasing retail/treatment sales, i.e. ‘book a course of treatments and receive a free mini’s kit’

     

    Target potential new clients:

    • Grow your social media presence, videos tend to receive more interaction than photos. Why not vlog your training journey?
    • Connect with local businesses, do you have a local bridal shop? Hairdressers? Why not team up to promote each others business, you could throw in a treatment to sweeten the deal!

     

    Preparing your and your client’s skin for the treatments

    These advanced treatments will have more of a targeted effect on the skin, treating more progressive skin challenges such as acne, ageing and hyperpigmentation. With this in mind you can start preparing your skin ready for treatments. The healthier the skin is prior to treatment the better the result and faster healing time post treatment.

     

    • Hydration is important

    Increasing skin hydration with richer moisturisers, adding serums and facial oils into a skin routine and using water/oil based facial masks 2-3 times a week.

     

    • Build up the skins tolerance level

    We wouldn’t advise going straight into a chemical peel if you have never exfoliated the skin, with this in mind slowly building up your skins tolerance levels to chemical exfoliation will yield the best results. Lactic acid is a great ingredient as it also improves hydration. Avoid exfoliating at home 48hrs before your treatment

     

    • Retinol (Vitamin A)

    Retinol is a fantastic ingredient for skin conditions and complements these advanced treatments, but avoid using it 48hrs before.

     

    • SPF

    Ensure you have at least an SPF30 for everyday use following your treatment. Physical (sometimes referred to as mineral) SPF products are more tolerated by exposed skins following treatment.

     

    • Avoid using sunbeds and tanning before and after your treatments

     

     

    We hope you are as excited as we are to welcome you on these courses!

     

     

  • Start your journey into teaching

    Start your journey into teaching

    Becoming an educator with the VTCT Level 3 award in Education and Training

    Tutor teaching a group of students

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What is the VTCT Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

    The VTCT Level 3 award in Education and Training is an internationally recognised teaching qualification recognised by sectors providing further education training. It is the minimum qualification required to teach the subjects that you are qualified in.

     

    What are my career options with the qualification?

    When you achieve the VTCT award in Education and Teaching you will be able to teach in the subjects that you are qualified in. Career options include working as a lecturer within a private or further education college, becoming a freelance teacher or working for yourself, providing your own training.

     

    Are there any prerequisites for the course?

    There are no prerequisites for the course. The course is open to all students wanting to embark on a career in teaching further education. The qualification is not specific to the Beauty industry, we welcome students from all sectors and industries.

     

    What is covered in the course?

    The course is designed as a foundation course into further education teaching. It covers the generic teaching skills required to be an effective teacher through the following units:

    • Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
    • Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
    • Understanding assessment in education and training

     

    How is the course delivered?

    This is a distance learning course offering you the flexibility to work around your current commitments.  most students complete their course within 12-16 weeks.

    You will be assessed via written assignments and two micro teaching sessions with the assessment team.

    Your micro teach sessions will be completed via skype.

    During the course you will access to our experienced support team at Head Office.

     

    How do I book?

    Once you are ready to book you can call one of our experienced course advisors on 0800 999 2277 and book over the phone with a debit or credit card, our offices are open Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.30pm.

    Alternatively you can book through our website new.thebeautyacademy.org/.

  • Are all Online Beauty Courses accredited & insurable?

    Are all Online Beauty Courses accredited & insurable?

    With lockdown restrictions in place, many aspiring beauty therapists are turning to online training courses. And why not? They offer flexible, affordable training that can be completed safely and conveniently from home. But are all beauty courses equal with so many new beauty training companies popping up online? We discuss what you should look out before before you take the leap…

  • Can I achieve a VTCT qualification through distance learning?

    Can I achieve a VTCT qualification through distance learning?

    The Beauty Academy offer a full range of VTCT Qualifications in all aspects of beauty therapy ranging from single units for those looking to specialise in one professional skill such as Facial Skincare to a full diploma at level 2 or 3 suitable for those looking to gain full time employment in the industry. Our VTCT qualifications are delivered on a ‘blended’ learning basis giving you optimum flexibility with your learning, while still providing full support and expert face to face tuition on a fast track basis.

    Much of the study is completed on a distance learning basis, online from home including your theory coursework. Students have access to a wealth of learning resources on our online portal including training videos, manuals and support documents. Attend for 1-5 training days (depending on qualification) to learn your practical skills at one of our 10 conveniently located training centres, across England. Practice your treatments to build a portfolio and then once ready, book your assessments.

  • What are the Advantages of Virtual Academy Beauty Training over Classroom Courses?

    What are the Advantages of Virtual Academy Beauty Training over Classroom Courses?

    With many of us having experienced more flexible working arrangements during lockdown and the benefits of staying connected online, more of us are feeling confident in taking other aspects of our lives online. Not only does online training allow you to study safely from home without any risks of Coronavirus posed from travel or being present in person, it is also flexible to fit into your life.

    There is no travel cost or time to consider, no early morning rushed commutes or needing to pay for additional childcare while you are away from home. There are no physical barriers to overcome as there is no attendance needed. The costs are also reduced for the training provider in offering online training versus overheads for bricks and mortar classroom based training, which translates as more affordable training options for students.

    Our courses start from only £99 and are fully accredited for insurance with ABT, giving you the exact same qualification as those achieved by attending face to face classroom training. All the benefits of classroom learning, without the hassle.

  • Can you really achieve a beauty qualification with only online courses?

    Can you really achieve a beauty qualification with only online courses?

    Absolutely, yes! You can definitely achieve an accredited beauty qualification through only online training. Our courses are accredited by IPHM and recognised for insurance internationally giving you the best chance of success in a beauty career wherever you live and work. As our courses are completed entirely online, there are no distance barriers to overcome. Online training options give you full flexibility of studying anywhere in the world, even the comfort of home. They also allow you to study at your own pace, whether that is fast track or more slowly to fit around other commitments.

  • What’s in a brand name?

    What’s in a brand name?

    We have lots of students ask us about courses such as Eyelash Extensions, Highly Defined Brows and Lash Lift & Tinting. They are confused as they have seen courses offered by beauty suppliers, branded courses and online courses and they don’t know where to start in regards to what the key differences are. First let’s cover what the term trademark is as this is essential to understanding brand-specific courses…

    What is a trademark?

    A trademark is a way for a brand, company, producer or other legal entity to identify themselves and the products or services they produce, provide or source. It is a way for someone to recognise one entity (or brand from another) and for consumers to identify the origin of a product or service.  Trademarks can be registered by the trademark owner and licensed in regards to specific types of usage. By registering a trademark, it can prevent use of the relevant name, logo, phrase or other ‘mark’ to be used without authorised licence from the trademark holder. Such unauthorised use can be considered trademark infringement and can open the person using such up to legal proceedings including prosecution or claims for damages. Brand specific training courses are those offered by such registered trademark owners and they often allow you to then go on to provide treatments using their products, to buy (or resell) their products and to use their logos/brand names within your own advertising.