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VTCT LEVEL 1 BEAUTY BASICS - NAILS, EYES AND RETAIL SKILLS

  • Start date:   January 2027
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 4
  • Course Type:   Short Full-time

VTCT LEVEL 1 BEAUTY BASICS - NAILS, EYES AND RETAIL SKILLS

This 17-week course is an exciting introduction for those looking to begin a career in Beauty Therapy. 

Start date - 18 January 27
End date - June 27 
SCQF Level – 4/5  
Mode - Full time   
Duration - 17 Weeks 

The course covers the fundamentals of nail care, eye treatments, waxing and retail skills, and you will also gain valuable industry skills.  

You will learn how to perform hand and foot treatments correctly including nail art as well as eye treatments and basic waxing techniques Additionally, you will gain industry skills working as a team within Platinum Salon. You will be given the opportunity to learn directly from guest speakers and industry experts.  

Training at West Lothian College will boost your employability allowing you to work in our top-tier facilities with experienced, qualified lecturers.  

You'll also have the opportunity to work with the professional nailcare brand OPI. 

  • What the course includes

    While undertaking this course you will learn and develop various skills in the following:   

    Manicure and Pedicure – You will learn about the structure of the nail, and how to apply enamel, nail art and provide aftercare advise 

    Eye treatment – You will learn to tint lashes and brows, shape the brows and application of strip and cluster lashes 

    Waxing - You learn about the hair growth cycle and structure of the hair and safety and effecting remove hair using warm waxing techniques 

    Industry skills - you will gain a valuable insight into industry and be given the opportunity to attend workshops to introduce a variety of different beauty therapy treatments 

    Competition skills - this is designed to help you develop the knowledge and techniques required to excel in beauty therapy competitions. This unit focuses on enhancing your skills, precision and creativity providing you with the tools to compete at a high level in various beauty-related contests 

    Personal presentation skills - Focuses on the essential skills and techniques needed to present yourself professionally in the beauty industry. It is designed to help you understand the importance of grooming, appearance and body language in creating a polished, confident image which is key to success in both client-facing roles and professional environments.

Why choose this course

This is a great course if you are interested in nails, eyes treatments and waxing as it will provide you with a qualification in these areas to help improve your skills and enable progression to other levels in college. Throughout the course there is a variety of learning activities such as lectures, practical demonstrations, portfolio & group work. You will work in a realistic salon environment.   

When learning skills, you will do this by initially practicing on each other prior to completing current treatments on clients once confident and competent. You will also have the opportunity to train and use professional brands. Guest speakers are arranged to keep you up to date with current trends and advise of any further training opportunities. 

What are the entry requirements?

  • Minimum 3 National 4s including English or NQ Level 4 Beauty Basics, Facial, Make-up and Reception Skills  

  • Applicants must be 16 by 18January 2027

  • If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course with a minimum C pass 

  • Where will it lead?

    Education: VTCT  Level 2 Beauty Therapy 

    Employment: Assistant working in a salon, retail assistant or receptionist within the beauty therapy industry 

Interview arrangements:

If selected for interview, you will be contacted through email to advise of an interview date and time and course information.   

The interview process will involve a written task, a group task and a one-to-one interview.   

Interview Questions  

  • Why have you applied for this course? (Please explain in a few sentences why you’re interested in the course or what motivated you to apply)  
  • Why do you think working as part of a team is important? (Write a short answer explaining your thoughts on teamwork) 
  • In a salon, you will be required to wear a uniform. Why do you think this is important? (Please share your thoughts on why wearing a uniform is necessary)  
  • If you were working in pairs and your partner always wanted to be the therapist, how would you feel about that? Why is this unfair? (Describe your thoughts on this situation and why it would be unfair for you) 
  • Why should we consider you for this course? (What makes you a good candidate for the course? Please list some of your qualities or skills) 
  • Tell us a little bit about yourself in approx. 50 words. (Use this space to share more about your background, interests, and why you’re interested in beauty) 
  • Only applicants that are successful at interview will be offered a place on the course. 
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