Is doing Itec level 3 beauty therapy worth it?

[Liek]

Hi
I wanted to do a level 2 in beauty therapy but the college I applied for said because I am over 19 I will have to do the itec level 3 beauty therapy which is level 2 and 3 combined, which sounded great. However, on the itec level 3 there are units that you wont do. Such as Make up, facial electrical treatments, body electricals treatments and epiliation. Will I still be a fully qualified beautician if I have not done these units. Is it worth doing this course if I need these units and then will have to go and pay to do those units else where.

 

[CFBS]

ITEC is a recognised exam board with a long respectable history so no problem with that aspect.
What you have to ask yourself is "What units will I achieve from this course and is it in the direction I wish to go".

Can you give us a list of the units it DOES include?
Are they doing this in one year or two?

Epilation has been an optional unit with other exam boards for a number of years now (hence why there are so few of us out there still doing it!). Students always wanted gel nails as their optional unit so gradually it went out (apart from in the ND L3 BTEC in Beauty).

I'm surprised make up isn't included - even though if you wanted to specialise in make up, you would definitely need to do more specialist training beyond the level 2 basic skills.

Face & body electricals - some salons do a lot of the technical treatments but many do not. Of course these skills could be learnt from companies who sell the equipment.

Sounds like this college has plumped for the most popular content to get bums (with government funding) on seats!

 

[House Beauty]

After doing many years of day courses and becoming extremely clued up and doing lots of research so I wasn’t considered ‘one of those day coursers.’ I did an ITEC Level 3 at champneys in the end just because I wanted to have a proper qualification and feel worth something.

Has it made a difference?

Not in the slightest. The only people that care about that are therapists, not clients.

My clients don’t care for the treatments on my level 3 that much either. I do it but it’s by no means a big earner. They are all wax and facial wax and facial. Gel Polish, Spray Tans etc. Stuff you have to do a day course for anyway.

Did it make a difference to the image I try to show? Probably not except here.

Do I have more knowledge? Absolutely but would never ever want to repeat the bullying experience. I was mocked for being intelligent, harassed by my teacher and the students were all not getting insurance and doing treatments they weren’t qualified in thinking it was fine and the college never corrected them or told them why you need insurance. I however learnt so much on day courses and can’t recommend them enough. I wouldn’t have my business doing so well without those.

Unless you want the A&P (which I thoroughly recommend!), I wouldn’t bother with college at all. You can even do that online now too, I wish I had.

For treatments, day courses provide a lot better physical application. Minimal theory. You have to learn a lot yourself to understand it but you become really good at actually doing the treatments.

At college, it’s all theory and minimal practical. We would stand for 4 hours at a time massaging waiting for one move at a time instructions by which time you’ve forgotten the rest and forgotten if you exist. Because they only want to make money from you and get paying clients in to see you.

There is a lot that can be said for an ITEC as you can use it anywhere. But you should hear all perspectives and choose your school wisely.

 

[Liek]

Hi there,
Thank you so much for your replies.
The course is from London College of Beauty Thereapy. I will have to get an advanced learner loan to pay for course. The course is Direct Entry: ITEC Level 3 Diploma: Beauty Therapy Treatments- adults
Units include:

• Provide Facial Skincare
• Provide Body Massage
• Provide Indian Head Massage
• Provide Eyelash and Brow Treatments
• Remove Hair using Waxing Techniques
• Apply Microdermabrasion
• Monitor and Maintain Health and safety Practice in the Salon
• Provide Pedicure Treatments
• Provide Manicure Treatments
• Provide Massage using Pre-Blended Aromatherapy Oils

I was concerned that employers would prefer to have someone with the traditional nvq/vrq level 2 and 3 whos studied eveything rather than itec level 3 diploma without facial and electrical treatments and make up. I was also concerned that i'd be spending loads of money trying to obtain these units which should have been a part of the course. I am 34 years old. I eventually want to work for myself but I would like to work in Spas once qualified.