Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist Apprenticeship
Advance Your Career in Professional Beauty Therapy
Take your expertise to the next level with the Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist Apprenticeship. Designed for experienced beauty professionals working in salons, spas or aesthetic environments, this industry-recognised programme develops advanced technical skills, leadership capability and commercial awareness required to operate confidently at a senior level all while earning and learning.
⏳ Duration: 8–16 Months + 3 Month EPA | 💷 Funding: Levy / Co-funded | 📍 Delivery: Workplace & Training Centre |
🎓 Progression: Senior, Specialist & Management Roles
Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •
Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •
Programme Overview:
The Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist apprenticeship prepares apprentices to deliver high-level, specialist beauty treatments and design bespoke treatment plans tailored to individual client needs.
Aligned to the Advanced Beauty Therapist Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, this programme develops advanced technical expertise, in-depth knowledge and professional behaviours required to operate at a senior level within the beauty industry.
Advanced Beauty Therapists work across salons, spas, aesthetic clinics, health settings, leisure facilities and cruise ships, contributing to client satisfaction and overall business performance.
What Will the Apprentice Learn?
Apprentices develop competence across advanced treatment techniques, business operations and professional practice.
Advanced Practical Skills
Advanced massage techniques
Advanced facial and body treatments
Electrical face and body therapies
Advanced skin analysis and treatment planning
Bespoke treatment programme design
Core Professional and Business Knowledge
Advanced anatomy and physiology
Infection prevention and control
Health and safety legislation
Data protection and regulatory compliance
Salon business systems and operational processes
Financial awareness and resource management
Leadership and team support skills
Access to Advanced Training Opportunities
As part of their ongoing development, apprentices can explore our wider suite of advanced training courses, supporting progression into specialist and higher-level aesthetic treatments beyond the core apprenticeship.
-
The standard on-programme duration is 16 months, followed by a 3-month End-Point Assessment (EPA) period.
A fast-track route of 8 months (plus 3 months EPA) may be available, subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.
-
An Advanced Beauty Therapist works independently to deliver complex manual and electrical treatments in a safe, private and professional environment. They design bespoke treatment plans, conduct in-depth consultations and may supervise others to support team development and business growth.
-
Yes. Levy and non-levy employer funding is available. Employers can use apprenticeship funding to cover the cost of training and assessment, subject to eligibility.
-
The programme is workplace-based with face-to-face learning support in a dedicated academy environment.
Delivery includes:
Workplace-based learning
Structured off-the-job training (minimum 370 hours)
Practical demonstrations
Professional discussions
Portfolio development supportEmployers must provide protected time during working hours for off-the-job training.
-
Apprentices develop advanced practical treatment skills including:
Advanced massage techniques
Advanced facial and body treatments
Electrical face and body therapies
Advanced skin analysis
Bespoke treatment programme design
They also gain in-depth professional and business knowledge in:
Advanced anatomy and physiology
Infection prevention and control
Health and safety legislation
Data protection and regulatory compliance
Salon business systems and operational processes
Financial awareness and resource management
Leadership and team support skills
-
The EPA is carried out by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:
Practical observation of treatments
Knowledge test
Successful completion leads to achievement of the full apprenticeship standard.
-
To enrol, apprentices must:
Be employed within a beauty therapy, spa or aesthetic environment
Demonstrate commitment to advanced professional standards
Be motivated to develop specialist technical skills
Employers must provide suitable opportunities to practise the full range of advanced treatments required by the standard.
-
On successful completion, apprentices may progress to:
Level 3 Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist
Level 3 Customer Service Specialist
Level 3 Team Leader
Level 4 Retail Manager
Career opportunities include:
Senior or Advanced Beauty Therapist
Salon or Spa Manager
Cruise Ship Therapist
Brand Representative or Educator
Self-employed or Business Owner
Beauty Lecturer (subject to further qualifications)
-
Yes. In addition to achieving the full apprenticeship standard, apprentices benefit from:
• Student membership with the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC)), supporting professional credibility and ongoing industry engagement.
• An independently CPD-accredited Workplace First Aid course aligned with current UK health and safety guidance, strengthening workplace safety knowledge and employer compliance.
These added-value elements enhance professional confidence, workplace readiness and long-term career progression.
-
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find Out More About Apprenticeship Training with Cedars Training Academy
Client Reviews
“The Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist apprenticeship has completely elevated my confidence and technical ability. I’m now delivering advanced electrical treatments and designing bespoke programmes for clients independently. The business and leadership elements have also prepared me to step into a senior therapist role within the salon.”
— Emily Carter, Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist Apprentice
“The structure of the programme was excellent and the support throughout was outstanding. The advanced anatomy, treatment planning and EPA preparation ensured I felt fully prepared for assessment. Since completing, I’ve progressed into a senior position and now mentor junior therapists.”
— Hannah Williams, Senior Beauty Therapist
“Our Level 3 apprentice has developed into a highly capable advanced therapist. She delivers complex treatments with professionalism and commercial awareness, and contributes positively to our business performance. The apprenticeship has strengthened both her leadership skills and technical expertise.”
— Rachel Thompson, Salon Owner
Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •
Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •