The Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group for Beauty, Wellbeing, and Aesthetics is thrilled to announce the official approval of its Occupation Standard and End PointAssessment (EPA) Plan by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). This milestone marks a transformative step forward in regulated education, elevating professional standards and recognising higher-level skills within the industry.
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What is the Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship?

The newly approved apprenticeship is designed to provide comprehensive training for beauty professionals looking to expand their skills in aesthetic treatments. The programme combines practical experience with theoretical learning, ensuring therapists are equipped with the skills and knowledge to deliver advanced treatments safely and effectively.
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What Skills Will the Apprenticeship Cover?

The Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship includes training in:

• Superficial & Medium-Grade Chemical Peels
• Microneedling & Microinjury Procedures
• Light-Based Skin Rejuvenation
• Mesotherapy with Intradermal Procedures
• Combination Therapy Approaches
• Advanced Skin Blemish Removal

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Diane Hey, Chair of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group, stated:

"This new apprenticeship standard is a game-changer for our industry. It establishes a government-backed, fully funded route for Beauty and Aesthetics practitioners, ensuring a regulated pathway to qualification. This is a testament to the dedication of all Trailblazer members in maintaining high standards, public safety, and professional excellence. Through extensive collaboration with employers, industry experts, educators, and regulators, we have crafted a robust apprenticeship that ensures safe and effective skin rejuvenation practices."
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Why is This Apprenticeship Important?

The approval of this apprenticeship is a significant milestone for the beauty and aesthetics industry. With increasing demand for advanced treatments, the apprenticeship offers a structured and regulated pathway for practitioners to up-skill confidently and safely. It also sets a new standard for education in aesthetics, ensuring treatments are performed by properly trained professionals.

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Candice Gardner - Education Manager – Learning and Content, said:

“This Occupational Standard is a watershed moment for the Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellness industry – a recognised route to career progression in aesthetics. With advanced level skills in high demand and a growing aesthetics industry, competent practitioners will now be able to prove they have the required understanding, procedural techniques, and strategies for safe and effective treatments. This drives up practice standards and confidence in the industry. In addition, the opportunity to develop these skills through an apprenticeship rather than requiring a break in employment, is very welcome news for practitioners and employers."
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Benefits for Beauty Professionals

Fully Funded: This apprenticeship is government-backed, reducing financial barriers for those looking to advance their careers.
Hands-On Learning: The combination of practical experience and theoretical education ensures graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality treatments.
Career Progression: Completing this apprenticeship provides a clear pathway for beauty professionals seeking to specialise in advanced treatments.

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Jo Lancaster – Quality and Standards Manager NHBF said:

"This standard represents a significant step forward in professional recognition of the aesthetics industry, to ensure practitioners are equipped with the advanced skills, knowledge and behaviours to deliver safe, effective and professional skin rejuvenation procedures,’ she says. ‘It also ensures there’s a clear career progression route for beauty therapists to achieve a robust apprenticeship standard, bridging the divide between the medical and beauty industry and creating a level playing field.’ Jo Adds ‘A recognised, fully funded apprenticeship standard will help therapists meet future regulatory requirements while earning. This pathway will allow them to develop their skills in-clinic, benefiting both businesses and individuals."
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What’s Next?

The next step is the official publication of these documents on the IfATE website, followed by a funding band recommendation from Secretary of State Education. This approval represents a defining moment for the industry, paving the way for higher standards, enhanced safety, and professional growth for practitioners.

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