Personal Services
Update of Beauty Qualifications
Conducting a major review and update to five key beauty qualifications to keep training aligned with the sector's evolving needs.
Project Phase
- Stage 1: Initial development: May 2026 - Jan 2027
- Stage 2: Public & Government consultation: Feb - Mar 2027
- Stage 3: Incorporating feedback: Apr - Jul 2027
- Stage 4-6: SRO’s & Assurance Body: Aug - Oct 2027
- Stage 7: Skills Minister(s): Nov 2027
Project overview
This project responds to strong industry feedback that the current beauty qualifications are not adequately equipping learners with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands. The beauty industry is undergoing rapid change in response to shifting consumer expectations, including the adoption of stronger hygiene practices, digital booking systems and an increased focus on sustainability and ethically sourced products.
SaCSA will undertake a two-stage activity project to review and update the following qualifications:
- SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services
- SHB30221 Certificate III in Make-Up
- SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology
- SHB40121 Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
- SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy
This update aims to ensure qualifications are fit for purpose, future-ready and aligned with the current demands across the beauty sector.
This project will be undertaken in line with the national Training Package Organising Framework (TPOF).
Why this project matters
Enrolments in beauty therapy have dropped significantly since 2015, with low completion rates and ongoing concerns from employers about graduates’ readiness for work. This has resulted in a critical workforce shortage, with the number of qualified graduates falling short of industry demand. The gap between what training currently delivers and what modern salons require has become a major barrier to workforce growth, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive review of qualifications to ensure they align with both current and emerging industry needs.
The beauty industry is evolving rapidly, with businesses responding to increased expectations around consumer safety and treatment standards, alongside growing demand for results-driven services and higher levels of technical capability.
At the same time, there has been significant growth in advanced and technology-led treatments. In parallel, there is strong and growing demand for wellbeing-focused services, with clients placing greater value on human touch, personalised care and therapeutic experiences.
Stage one objectives:
Develop
Enhance
Align
Streamline
Project development & consultation stages
Technical Committee
Project team
Mia Jarrett
Product & Project Development Lead
Kate Henderson
Stakeholder Engagement Manager – Personal Services
Lauren Boon
Subcontractor - Aniwaya Education Services
