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.
