Training For A Career In Fashion & Beauty

The options for getting training for a career within the fashion and beauty industry are only limited by what particular role you may have in mind. And, it’s not just a sector which is restricted to women either as there are plenty of good examples of men who continue to carve out very successful careers for themselves, particularly within the fashion design or hair care segments of the sector.

Growing Demand

In 2008 and in spite of a generally perceived economic downturn, the fashion and beauty industry still prospers and continues to grow with both sectors constantly pushing the boundaries with new innovations coming onto the market. A good example of this would be in the rapid increase in popularity in the likes of spa treatments which were relatively untapped up until a few years ago. And, as more new technologies and innovative products and services are created, the need for well-trained, qualified staff will still be very much in demand.

Qualifications

The qualifications you’ll need to enter the fashion and beauty industry will much depend on what career path you’re looking to follow. Fashion design can be studied to degree level but the vast majority of those who ‘make it’ in this highly competitive arena tend to possess certain personality traits that enable them to stand out whilst training on the job as opposed to just gaining a basic academic understanding of things like textile and garment technology and production management. Therefore, in addition to academic achievement, you’ll also have a natural creative flair and an attitude which constantly challenges conventional thought and looks to constantly innovate and reinvent the accepted norm.

Hairdressing is still a popular choice of vocation with far more people enrolling on NVQ level 2 and 3 qualifications than in any other sector within the fashion and beauty industry as a whole. Apprenticeships are widely available and there is a broad range of diploma and degree courses in all manner of related fields e.g. Foundation Degrees in Personal Development, Care and Appearance, BTECs in Beauty Therapy etc. Many of the courses available in the beauty sector will be vocational in nature and are often combined with on the job training but you will need a sound knowledge of the theoretical principles behind your chosen specialism. For example, if you’re involved in different types of beauty treatments, you may need to learn about things like microbiology or dermatology, for example. You may need to undertake a massage course or understand all about the different types of spa treatments. Obviously, for certain roles - as a fashion buyer, for example, a more business or finance orientated degree is going to be your priority.

Personal Qualities

Although this will vary within the sector by the nature of the type of career you wish to pursue, some of the more common personality traits amongst those who wish to enter the fashion or beauty industry tend to include those who take pride in their own physical appearance and a desire to look one’s best. This doesn’t mean that everyone who comes into the industry must be glamorous but they must have a natural ‘feel’ and flair when it comes to deciding how to make a person look and feel at their best. Good interpersonal skills are vital also as many jobs rely on your ability to be able to get on with the general public. In fact in certain sectors - with hairdressing being a long standing prime example - it’s often the way in which you relate to the customer which keeps them coming back time after time to the same hair salon. You should also have an interest both inside and outside work to learn all about the latest products, services and innovations which are emerging within your chosen field.

Typical Jobs

Typical roles within the fashion and beauty sector would include:

• Fashion Designer
• Fashion Buyer
• Hairdresser
• Beauty Therapist
• Masseur
• Salon Manager
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