Beauty Therapy Level 2

A Beauty Therapist works in one of the largest, most trusted, and continually expanding industries within the hair and beauty sector. The work environment can vary in size, style, and ambiance — from cruise ships through to small boutique salons. Beauty Therapists work as part of a team or independently, supported by a manager or supervisor when completing treatments.

The course is appropriate for both school leavers and mature students who have no prior formal knowledge of the industry. To succeed on this apprenticeship, candidates should have a keen interest in the beauty therapy profession.

Learning will be built around the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the apprenticeship standard. Examples include:

Knowledge

• Industry Standards: Understand professional appearance, hygiene, etiquette, and housekeeping.
• Legal and Organisational Requirements: Awareness of procedures, guidelines, codes of practice, ethics, equality and diversity, and quality systems.
• Treatment Knowledge: Familiarity with waxing, nail and hand care, foot treatments, facial skincare, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, make-up, and basic massage techniques.

Skills

• Client Consultation: Conduct confidential consultations and select appropriate treatments and products.
• Treatment Application: Apply beauty therapy techniques using the correct products, tools, and equipment.
• Professionalism: Maintain salon or spa standards, personal appearance, and demonstrate professional behaviour.
• Time Management: Deliver services efficiently within commercially viable times.

Behaviours

• Professionalism and Values: Meet organisational and industry standards, work effectively under pressure, manage time well, and provide client advice and aftercare.
• Client-Centric Approach: Maintain client confidentiality and prioritise the client experience throughout their visit.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrate passion for the industry and commitment to ongoing professional development.

A blend of on-the-job and academic learning

Most learning is on-the-job, guided by your employer and Instructor-Mentor. You will attend Buxton Campus one day per week and receive regular workplace visits from your Instructor-Mentor for observations, professional discussions, and progress reviews.

How you are assessed

The Apprenticeship Assessment is the final stage of every apprenticeship. It checks overall competence, not just individual tasks, and gives apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) they have developed. For this apprenticeship, the apprentice will complete two assessment methods:

1. On-demand test: A two-hour multiple-choice test with scenario-based questions, covering both core and specialist knowledge. It’s externally set, marked automatically, and taken either on-site or off-site.

2. Practical observation: A four-hour observation in the workplace where the apprentice demonstrates a range of tasks in their specialist area, showing practical skills and behaviours.

• Gain Practical Experience
  Work in a variety of settings—from boutique salons to luxury spas and cruise ships—developing a versatile skill set for the beauty industry.

• Learn Core Beauty Treatments
  Train in essential techniques such as waxing, facials, hand and foot treatments, make-up, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, and basic massage.

• Develop Professional Skills
  Improve client consultation, time management, hygiene standards, and professional communication while learning to work independently or as part of a team.

• Open Career Opportunities
  Earn a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification, giving you a foundation to progress in the beauty sector and pursue further training or advanced roles.

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
  • If you have not achieved these qualifications, it may be possible to complete functional skills as part of your apprenticeship, depending on personal circumstances.
• You must have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least the past three years.
• As this is an apprenticeship, you will also require suitable employment to undertake the programme.

Apprenticeships are funded by either the employer or the government; apprentices do not pay for their training.

Contact us

FE & Skills Apprenticeship Team

• Email: feapprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 0800 074 0099