The beauty industry offers numerous opportunities for professionals with different specialities to start or advance their careers. If you have knowledge of cosmetic chemistry and skin biology and want to help people look and feel well, you may consider becoming a beauty therapist. It's one of the largest expanding industries within the Hair & Beauty Sector.

The work environment can be varied in size, style and ambiance, from a cruise ship, through to small bespoke salons or luxury high end beauty salons and spas. A beauty therapist works independently or as part of a team supported by a manager.

The entry requirements for this course are:

• Hair & Beauty Level 1 qualification
• 4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above including English & maths

You will be required to attend an informal interview which may include completing an assessment based on your prior qualifications.

The VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy qualification will provide you with the knowledge and skills to access the beauty industry. 

Learners will develop their communication and customer service skills as well as practical and commercial skills, all of which are valued highly by employers. 

The course is scheduled over 2 days per week and will be a mixture of theory and practical lessons. 

Once you have completed your hands-on training, you will be industry ready.

You will be assessed via:

• Continual assessment throughout the course
• Written assignments
• Written/online tests
• Portfolios of collated study evidence

Practical assessments are undertaken on paying clients and must be completed in a commercially acceptable timescale.

In addition to timetabled classes there is provision for independent study time. Students will undertake independent learning, investigation and research and bring this to present and share in subsequent classes.

To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in skills competitions internally as well as opportunities to participate in World Skills. You will take part in trips and visits, such as Professional Beauty and Salon International. You will also have access to key employers that will deliver guest lectures to build your industry knowledge and create your future.

Our Student Common Room is also a great place to unwind and relax during your breaks. It features pool tables, table tennis, a gaming corner and lots of comfy sofas so you can refresh before your next lesson. 

Themed events are held in the Common Room so you can get the best experience of being a Waltham Forest College student.

You must complete 36 hours (1 week) of internal/external work placement which is an essential part of the programme. Some of the opportunities will include placements with employers such as Bannatyne, Kallure and Walthamstow Wellness Centre.

The completion of this course will allow you to progress onto:

• Beauty Level 3
• Employment

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 96% of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.