Where are all the Beauty Therapists?

Have you wondered where all the Beauty Therapists are?  If so, you are not alone. Throughout Australia – Medi-Clinics, Salons and Spas are suffering with the lack of staff and struggling with retention. 

Currently in Australia alone, it is conservatively anticipated that there is only one graduating student for every 8 jobs available in the market, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). 

Industry Engagement Manager, Lana Endersby from The French Beauty Academy has seen this shift first hand.  

Over the past five years the skills gap for therapists has widened with an increase in client numbers across our industry.

Driven by this consistent growth, The French Beauty Academy has expanded their purpose built, cutting-edge training academies to include Brisbane, the Gold Coast and this year, Adelaide. 

“We are all operating in a $4.2 trillion dollar global industry,” according to the 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor (released by the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), said Mrs Endersby.

The beauty and wellness sector is now three times larger than the global pharmaceutical industry at US$1trillion, with countless entrepreneurial pathways proving the sector is a breeding ground for small business success. 

Such rapid industry growth has resulted in the lack of human resources and fuels the growing demand for skilled Beauty Therapists. 

The Australian Government Job Outlook site, forecasts strong job growth prospects for our industry reaching over 50,000 job openings by 2023.  

The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the highest rating possible (Very Strong Growth) in workers for Beauty Therapists as per joboutlook.gov.au.

We are not alone, around the world there is a critical human resource need for qualified aesthetics, beauty and dermal therapists as well as licensed device technicians. 

 “There is an overwhelming demand for industry-ready graduates and coupled with the massive sector growth, we now have industry and employers from around the world knocking on our door to recruit our students.  In fact the strength of our program is so successful that in 2020 over 90% of our students secure a job prior to graduation,” said Mrs Endersby.

Like a Domino effect, our issue has started with the falling of a single tile, in this case enrolments.

To restore the industry to where it was 5 years ago there needs to be a 300% growth in enrolments into the Diploma of Beauty today and a 500% growth in the Diploma of Salon Management enrolments.

“Along with the enormous unmet demand of qualified Beauty Therapist, we are repeatedly asked for qualified Beauty Therapists who are able to successfully manage all aspects of running a successful spa or franchise.” said Mrs Endersby.  

With this knowledge, The French Beauty Academy has recently launched Australia’s first national online management qualification for the beauty & hair industry – meeting the skills shortage gap for our industry in management qualifications.  

The program encompasses a world class online educational platform where industry professionals can undertake management training and knowledge, learning from experienced educators.  

You may be asking now, what can we do to compete in this new candidate driven market? 

Mrs Endersby says, “my advice to industry is to not be afraid to proudly state your organisational values and employment benefits.  Employers should be looking into their attraction and retention strategies.  Students are noticeably attracted to businesses that believe in building their people. Our graduates want to be a part of a movement and feel fulfilled in the workplace.  Why not try to spark interest amongst the student bodies and ensure you attract the ideal candidate for your business.” 

The French Beauty Academy prides themselves on their reputation as the leading Beauty Therapy educator in this country.  

With over 30 years of excellence in education, The French has regularly met with key stakeholders in the industry to understand how to meet the current skills gap, and how to better deliver courses that meet the demands of employers. 

The French Industry Engagement Team is the direct link to accessing some of Australia’s most skilled and knowledgeable graduates.  

The on campus team is responsible for securing the final and ultimate transition from student to employment.  This transition requires an exceptional understanding of a student’s dream career and the vision for each organisation to make the best connections.  

“With an Industry Engagement team member available at each campus, a digital job board platform, mentorship programs, recruitment events and more we are doing what we can to support our incredible industry,” said Mrs Endersby. 

The French Beauty Academy operates from Queensland in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast and from South Australia with a new campus opening in Adelaide later this year.

Industry connections can be made with The French Industry Engagement Team by email: industry@thefrench.edu.au or visit www.thefrenchbeautyacacdemy.edu.au