Written by 'Bubblz' McMillan, International Master Trainer, Locks Lash
So, you're keen to become a beauty tech?
Love that for you! But... hold up!
Where do you even start?
What's the go with all the legal stuff?
There's plenty of confusing info floating around online about how to step into the big world of beauty in Australia, so let's break it down...
The Deregulation of the Beauty Industry
Did you know Australia started deregulating the beauty industry in the late 1980s? Fast forward to the mid-2000s, and the beauty training sector also became deregulated. So, what does that mean for you? Well, it's both a blessing and a bit of a challenge.
Is deregulation a good thing?
Well, deregulation gives Private Training Organisations (PTOs) the freedom to offer more in-depth training. No rigid structures, no limitations, just solid education designed to create top-tier beauty professionals.
Now, I've completed both TAFE and private beauty training, so I can confidently say that private training often allows for a deeper, more focused learning experience. TAFE has its perks, but it also has structured timeframes that can feel a little restrictive.
For example, if you're enrolling in a Certificate III in Beauty Services at TAFE, you'll need to complete 21 separate units of competency. Think...
> Body waxing
> Spray tanning
> Lash extensions
> Makeup
> Financial transactions...even ear piercing!
While that's a fab skill set, each unit is usually wrapped up within 2-4 weeks before moving on.
The downside? Less time for mastery, and sometimes, gaps in knowledge.
Why consider private training?
Now: We are not trying to move you away from TAFE if that is something you want to do. But if you truly want to perfect one or a few specific areas, private training may be your way to go.
Private training lets you focus on specific areas, like lash extensions, brow waxing, lash lifting, brow lamination or spray tanning. Because you get more time to perfect your craft, these courses tend to be jam-packed with valuable insider knowledge that might not fit into TAFE's structured curriculum.
We get a lot of beauty therapist students from beauty colleges and TAFEs come to us to get trained in lash extensions, brows, spray tanning, waxing, etc as we have specific courses, each focusing on and teaching you how to master the art of that specific treatment.
In turn, that means you will know exactly how to perform that treatment, understand the science behind what you're doing and be confident to actually perform the treatment on clients.
At the end of the day, both TAFE and private training have their benefits. It just depends on your career goals and how deep you want to dive into the beauty industry!
Do You Need a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment?
You've probably heard people say you can't offer beauty training unless you hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. That's only partially true.
If you want to work within a TAFE or under a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering nationally accredited training, then yes, you must have this certification.
If you're running your own private training, you don't need a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Instead, you can enrol in a Private Training course that teaches you everything you need to know about becoming a beauty trainer.
That's the beauty of deregulation, it gives you options to enter the training world without needing to work under an RTO.
What Certificates Can You Offer Your Students?
Let's clear up the difference between qualifications, accreditation, and competency/completion certificates, because trust me, it matters!
Qualifications: These are issued by an RTO and include Certificate I-IV programs; like a Certificate III in Beauty Services (where students complete their 21 competency units).
Accreditation: Accredited training happens within an RTO framework. So, as a private trainer, you can't issue accreditation unless you're working under an RTO and following the official government training package.
Certificate of Competency or Completion: This is where private training providers shine! If you're running your own course, you can offer completion certificates based on your expertise and course structure, no RTO required. Yes these types of certificates are nationally recognised due to the deregulation.
Ready to Start Your Beauty Training Journey?
If you're passionate about sharing your knowledge and helping others refine their beauty skills, becoming a trainer could be a game-changer. Whether you choose the TAFE route or jump straight into private training, there's space for you to thrive in Australia's booming beauty industry.
So, what's the next step on your beauty trainer journey? Let's make it happen!
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