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.

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.

Project Development & Consultation Stages


Stage 1: Initial Development

May 2026 - January 2027

Launch | May 2026 – June 2026

Commencement & Promotional Activity 

  • Website Launch
  • Digital Media Campaigns
  • Information Sessions
  • Establishment of the Technical Committee

 

Discovery | July 2026 – September 2026

Initial Stakeholder Consultation

  • Stakeholder Survey
  • Stakeholder Workshops
  • SWAG Meeting
  • Technical Committee Meeting
  • Broad Stakeholder Consultation

 

Build | October 2026 – January 2027

Design & Develop Draft Products

  • SaCSA undertakes Technical Content Development
  • Technical Committee Meeting
  • Targeted Stakeholder Consultation (as required)

*Dates are subject to change

Stage One Objectives:


Develop

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

Enhance

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

Align

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

Streamline

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

Technical Committee


Document Library


View all resources related to this project below. Additional resources will be added as they become available.

Files

Update of Beauty Qualifications Public Consultation Strategy

529 KB

Download
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