Beauty

About the beauty industry

Are you a creative soul who loves making people look and feel their best? You might enjoy a career in beauty! From cosmetics to nail technology, hairstyling to skincare and makeup, there are a range of roles you can apply for in the beauty industry with a beauty qualification. Though traditionally a female-centric industry, the beauty field has expanded exponentially and includes services and products for men too. Increasing in strength as an industry and demand for beauty therapists, Australia’s beauty industry is worth over $5 billion each year.
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What Are the General Entry Requirements for Beauty?

The entry requirements to study beauty will vary based on the course you want. Academic requirements will differ between educational institutions and the level of study you undertake. For the most accurate information, you should view the course information on the institution’s website.
For most beauty courses, there are no entry requirements, yet most Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses require students to have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10. Some courses may require extra prerequisite subjects or work experience.

What Skills Are Needed to Study Beauty?

When studying beauty in Australia, there are several skills that will help you be the best beauty therapist you can be. Many skills can be learned, but some should come naturally to you:

  • Customer service
  • Sensitivity & understanding
  • Ability to work well with your hands
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Thorough
  • Attention to detail
  • A positive personality
  • A creative streak
  • Interested in beauty trends
  • Non-judgemental

Is a Beauty Course Right for Me?

The beauty industry isn’t for everyone. In fact, it takes a special type of person to succeed in this in-demand industry. You not only have to be passionate about beauty and health, but also passionate about helping others look and feel their best. Some beauty roles are a typical 9-5 Monday to Friday, but some will require weekend work, so flexibility is key in this role. Typically, you won’t be working long and gruelling hours, and there are plenty of casual and part-time beauty roles if full-time isn’t something you’re seeking.

What Are the Different Types of Beauty Courses?

There are actually many ways to enter the beauty industry, yet a Certificate or Diploma is key to stay ahead of the competition, with 82% of Australia’s beauty therapists having at least a Certificate or Diploma level credentials.

  • Certificate: A Certificate in beauty is a great way to enhance your skills, boost your knowledge and generally make you more confident. Certificates not only teach you everything from health and hygiene to skin tones and hair types, but you will also have practical sessions where you can practise what you’ve learnt in a real-world setting.
  • Diploma: If you have goals to run your own beauty business or perhaps create your own beauty products, a diploma is a great career move. It will teach all the important things you need to know about the beauty industry in Australia, like the latest products and techniques to modern tools and trends. A diploma will also help improve your professional communication skills, which is especially important if you dream of one day running your own beauty business.

What Can I Do after a Beauty Course?

There are several career pathways following a beauty course. Here are some potential jobs:

  • Beauty therapist
  • Hairdresser
  • Nail technician
  • Massage therapist
  • Dermal therapist
  • Makeup artist

Which Are the Top Institutes to Study Beauty?

Torrens University Australia, TAFE, Charles Darwin University, Kangan Institute, and Melbourne Polytechnic are excellent places to earn a certificate in beauty studies. Meanwhile, there are also programs like the Ella Bache College and Australian National College of Beauty which offer several courses to get you started in the beauty industry.

How Much Can I Earn with a Beauty Qualification?

The average beauty therapist salary in Australia is $58,013 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $53,625 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $74,003 per year. As a freelance beauty therapist, your earning potential is unlimited and can be a great way to boost your yearly income working in the beauty industry.

Are Beauty Careers Still in Demand in 2022?

According to data from the Australian government, the beauty industry is set to grow in job vacancies by up to 22% over the next 5 years, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for skilled and qualified graduates.

Are Courses in Beauty Subsidised?

Government funding assists students by subsidising their tuition fees, with funding varying between states and territories. In NSW, for example, Smart and Skilled is a reform of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. It helps people in NSW get the skills they need to find a job and advance their careers. Under Smart and Skilled, the NSW Government contributes to the cost of each course with the student paying the balance. There are currently no courses in beauty subsidised by the government.