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Update of Beauty Qualifications

We're conducting a major update to five key beauty qualifications to keep training aligned with the sector's evolving needs.

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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:

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:


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Develop

qualifications that support multiple occupational outcomes, strengthening skills transferability and adaptability while maintaining industry relevance.

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Enhance

learner pathways and engagement by reducing duplication across training products, while retaining necessary repetition for competency.

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Align

qualifications to employment outcomes through industry consultation and responsiveness to evolving workforce needs.

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Streamline

career progression by creating clearer, more connected pathways that support learner mobility and progression.

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