What Will Happen At My First Lesson
The first week of your course will include Study Skills. Good Study Skills are vital to ensure you gain the best from your course. The Study Skills session will give you the opportunity to discover the best way that you can learn and fully understand the requirements of the course.

What Qualification/level is this course?
This is a Level 2 NVQ VTCT qualification Please note this is an Intensive Course

Examinations Venue disclaimer
There are 8 exams in total

Who is the course for?
Those wishing to perform treatments for improving the condition of the skin and nails, at a professional level. Beauty Therapy is a service industry and it is important that you have excellent levels of communication, including literacy and numeracy skills (level 2) to work successfully in the salon environment. You will be required to take a Literacy and numeracy skills test, followed by a formal interview, before being accepted on to the Course. The course is taught and assessed in English - if English is not your first Language, please discuss this at interview with your tutor as Esol will need to be level 2. Literacy and Numeracy skills have to be at Level 2 or above to gain access to this course.

What can I expect to learn?
By the end of the course you should be able to perform a variety of treatments (facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, make-up and eye treatments). You will be responsible for actions to reduce risk to health and safety, develop and maintain effectiveness at work, promote additional products and services to customers and salon reception duties. Detailed Anatomy and Physiology study at Level two includes:- Describe the structure and function of skin, skin characteristics and skin types of different ethnic client groups Describe the structure of the nail and the process of nail growth Describe how the natural ageing process affects skin and muscle tone. Describe Skin Pathologies and contra-indications which may restrict or prevent a treatment or many require a medical referral Describe the structure of hair and basic principles of hair growth Describe the position and actions of the facial neck and shoulder muscles, Describe the structure and function of muscles of the lower arm, hand, leg and foot. Describe the bones and position of the head, neck, shoulder girdle and chest. Describe the bones of the hand, lower arm, foot and lower leg. Describe the blood circulation to the lower arm, hand, foot and lower leg. Describe the composition and function of blood and lymph and its role in improving skin and muscle condition Units offered are subject to change.

How will I learn?
Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will also have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.

How will I know how well I am doing?
Feedback from your tutor; Assessment methods will include, summative assessments of practical units working on a wide range of paying clients to demonstrate your competency, on line multiple choice assessments (tests) of individual units including associated A&P and written assignments.

Will I have to do any work at home ?
Yes, expect to commit at least the same amount of time at home in researching, completing assignments and practising treatments as time spent in college.

What will I need to provide?
You will be expected to wear a suitable uniform: black therapist tunic (Charm Tunic by Salon Wear), plain black trousers and fully enclosed low shoes and a name badge. Purchase the Course Text Book: The Foundations Beauty Therapy the official guide to Level 2 by Lorraine Nordmann ISBN 978-1-4080-1936-8 1 x large bath towel, 2 x bath sheets and 4 x hand towels in black or a dark plain colour. Purchase stationery items, such an arch lever file, pens, pencils and clipboard A separate kit containing the necessary tools will be provided for practical sessions -following the 4th week of the course. If you choose to leave the course before the end then the kit needs to be returned within 7 days/or a payment made for the kit, otherwise a letter will be issued and the debt pursued. ACL will provide products and consumables for practical sessions and you will need to purchase equivalent for home practice. Please bring a note pad and pen to your first session. A full list of requirements will be provided on your first day. It is recommended that you purchase your uniform, text book and towels after your first session. Access to Office & Word programmes, the internet and a printer are necessary to complete various projects and research during the course. If you are enrolling on the e portfolio programme (details of this course will be given to you at the time of interview) regular computer and internet access is essential.

Are there any other costs?
Approximate costs are: Uniform tunic £20.50 (order form to be supplied) Black Trousers & closed in black shoes Text book £30 Beauty products / tools - dependant on your home practice needs Exams entry is free but resits are charged for at £10 per exam. Parking at the Maldon centre is not available to learners; therefore parking is in the local public pay and display car park. .

What can I do next?
Seek work in a salon or self- employment. Progression to L3 Beauty Therapy programmes'. For ACL courses see www.aclessex.com The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7635.