Education - PostGraduate Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timeto train
“In order to be successful in this ever- changing industry, you have to stay ahead of the game and push to constantly raise the industry standard. Continuing your education is the key to your success,” Lydia continues.
Caroline Quinlan, industry expert and trainer agrees: “The day we think we know it all is a very sad day indeed because, without a doubt, continued education is the key to every successful business, and really is the fuel that keeps it all running.
“I remember clearly the day I got my beauty therapy qualification and I remember walking into my first salon job so confident and sure of myself and my skills; fast forward to the end of my first week, I got a big wakeup call – I didn’t know as much as I thought I did and there was a lot more to learn!”
What is CPD?
When it comes to continuing your education, you may have heard the term CPD. Continuing, or Continual, Professional Development formally refers to the process of tracking and documenting your skills, knowledge and experience gained beyond your initial training. It is relevant to all industries globally, and in some careers such as law, it is a necessity. Some organisations are known to insist that their members undertake a minimum number of CPD hours every year to maintain their status as members, however in beauty therapy the onus is placed more on the individual as an option to maintain their learning and development.
“CPD is very important for every beauty therapist and nail tech. You can never know enough about beauty therapy,” says Audrey Heffernen, OPI Educator at Hennessy Hair and Beauty Supplies.
Candice Gardener, Education Curriculum Manager at the International Dermal Institute, adds: “Continual Professional Development is not about the points. It is about moving with your industry to ensure the continued success and growth of the industry and the improvement of overall standards.”
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So why is CPD, or undertaking any post-graduate training, so important?
“Continuing training can benefit therapists in a number of ways: they may learn new techniques, ways to get their speed up on a particular treatment or get to the bottom of any problems they are having,” says Audrey. “If you come away from a training session and you only get one thing out of it, then it has been a success.”
Derek O Kelly of The Waverley Academy agrees: “Post graduate courses are vital for therapists as they help them to stay up-to-date and current with developments in the industry.”
Candice agrees that it’s important to keep with current trends, and that post- graduate education is key to keeping your business at the top of its game. “Our industry has always had two very distinct sides to it. The first is fast paced with ever-evolving treatment techniques, high tech machines and rapidly developing ingredient science. It is exciting to work in this sector of the industry, with huge potential for business growth and success.
“The second side is stuck in a 1950s time warp with old fashioned methods that simply ‘steam and cream’ and fail to resonate with the modern customer. These businesses are struggling to survive the economic downturn as consumers no longer see their value.
“If you want to stay relevant it is critical that you are updating your skills, exploring new techniques and approaches and getting to grips with what is available to your customers, inside and outside of the skin care industry, so that you can continue to compete for business.”
Post-graduate training is not just important to keep up-to-date with skills and current trends, it’s also about building confidence, networking with like-minded professionals, and increasing motivation, believes Derek.
Caroline concurs: “Education has the ability to help with keeping both staff and managers alike motivated, confident, focused. (This) ultimately leads to happy returning customers through the doors because you have a well-educated passionate and highly knowledgeable therapist. Remember that a returning costumer is five times cheaper for your business than trying to get a new client.
“It’s a fact that a business that has educated and knowledgeable staff makes more money, up to 70% over services and retail sales!”
What’s more, the more courses you undertake the more impressive your C.V. will be. “(Courses) also enable therapists to provide a wider range of treatments which can make them more employable, enhance their chances of promotion and increase their earning potential,” says Derek.
So what kinds of course should you be thinking about to keep your CPD topped up?
“The staple treatments of gel nails, tanning and eyelash extensions always seem to be in demand and so would be good choices for those looking to up- skill,” suggests Derek.
“You can further your education by completing a spray tanning course, eyelash extension courses, body contour wrap course, nail art course or specialised waxing courses. It is important to keep up-to-date with new nail trends to offer to your clients,” adds Audrey.
Derek also suggests teacher training as an option: “For salon owners or therapists who are already multi-skilled, teaching seems to be a route that many are pursuing. It can open up many avenues and elevate careers to the next level. It is also one of the most rewarding careers open to therapists as they get the opportunity to share their passion with others and help them develop their careers.”
Take a look at just some of the courses currently available to you…
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