CEW’S ACCESS TO SPECIALIST TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS, TALENT ACCESS & GRADUATE RECRUITMENT
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF BEAUTY THERAPY (LCBT) IS LONDON’S NO.1 BEAUTY COLLEGE. WE PARTNER WITH LEADING BEAUTY EMPLOYERS TO DEVELOP WORK-READY TALENT THROUGH HIGH-QUALITY TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS, AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION.
Alongside our sister college, the Fashion Retail Academy, LCBT is part of Education For Industry Group, a leading education charity specialising in programmes designed to meet the skills needs of industry.
At LCBT we train students aged 16 and up in skills including beauty therapy, make-up, hairdressing and advanced aesthetics, across diplomas, apprenticeships and customised training solutions for businesses.
Through our industry-led, sector-specific education and training, we have produced thousands of job-ready graduates and upskilled thousands more professionals who work at hundreds of beauty salons, spas and retailers across the UK.
Whatever your goals, we can help you achieve them: whether that’s through attracting and retaining the next generation of beauty talent, or future-proofing your existing staff with the skills they need to succeed.
PROGRAMMES DESIGNED FOR SUCCESS BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS
A LEADING EDUCATION CHARITY, DEDICATED TO SHAPING THE INDUSTRY LEADERS OF TOMORROW
APPRENTICESHIPS RATED OUTSTANDING BY OFSTED
CENTRAL LONDON LOCATIONS WITH DEDICATED BUSINESS TRAINING SUITES
TALENT
UNRIVALLED ACCESS TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF BEAUTY AND RETAIL
DELIVERING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL, REGARDLESS OF BACKGROUND OR CIRCUMSTANCE
APPRENTICESHIPS
An apprenticeship is an opportunity for an individual to train on the job and can be used to give training support to existing team members as well as new hires. They also enable individuals to gain additional skills to enhance their performance or progress through the business.
If your business pays the apprenticeship levy, you have already paid for this training which can be used for staff at any stage in their career. If you’re a small business which doesn’t pay the levy, you can still take advantage of government funding of up to 95% of the cost. We offer a number of different apprenticeship opportunities that can be utilised for retention, upskilling and succession planning.
Coaching
COMING
Supply
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT
CULTIVATE CONFIDENT FRONT-LINE REPRESENTATIVES TO DELIVER POSITIVE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES IN THE BEAUTY SECTOR.
Develop communication and problemsolving skills in staff responsible for front-line customer interaction across a range of channels. Build awareness of customer expectations, high-quality service provision and confidence in handling complaint to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
£3,500 per employee
DURATION
12 months
RETAIL ASSISTANT
BUILD BEAUTY RETAIL TEAMS THAT DELIVER ON SALES TARGETS AND REPRESENT YOUR BRAND VALUES.
Gain a broad understanding of how to give advice that helps sell products in a retail environment. Understand how to create an accessible and well-presented environment, increase awareness of products & services, and provide information and advice.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
DEVELOP AGILE AND COMMERCIALLYAWARE ADMINISTRATORS TO SUPPORT EVERY AREA OF YOUR BEAUTY BUSINESS.
Build transferrable skills in communication, IT, problem-solving, and project coordination that can be deployed in any part of your business. Strengthen understanding of collaborative working and efficient operations to boost productivity and create adaptable, solutions-focused teams.
£5,000 per employee
DURATION
12 months
£5,000 per employee
DURATION
12 months COST
CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST
DRIVE BRAND LOYALTY WITH HIGHPERFORMING CUSTOMER SUPPORT STAFF, WITH SPECIALIST BEAUTY INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE.
Build confidence in navigating complex queries and complaint escalation, while improving service processes and standards through coaching junior team members. Embed data analysis and insight in front-line team leadership to support day-to-day excellence in customer service.
£4,000 per employee
DURATION
13 months COST
DEVELOPING MANAGERS
TEAM LEADER FOR BEAUTY RETAIL
DRIVE STANDARDS IN BEAUTY RETAIL WITH CONFIDENT, CAPABLE TEAM LEADERS.
Develop junior staff into effective Team Leaders, combining fundamental skills in people management with product expertise to drive sales and customer loyalty. Improve team coordination and decision-making, as well as deepening knowledge of beauty consultation and best practice in presentation and hygiene.
£5,000 per employee
RETAIL DATA & AI CHAMPION
EMBED DATA LITERACY ACROSS YOUR BUSINESS TO TURN INFORMATION INTO INSIGHT.
Build staff confidence in sourcing, reporting and handling data securely to support business decision-making. Empower junior analysts in a variety of different teams to take raw data from spreadsheets, databases and performance metrics to deliver clear, contextual insights and identify trends.
£13,000 per employee 12 months
BUYING & MERCHANDISING ASSISTANT
DEVELOP JUNIOR BEAUTY BUYING AND MERCHANDISING TALENT TO DELIVER THE RIGHT PRODUCT AT THE RIGHT TIME.
Understand the selection, development and stock management process to meet customer demand and business objectives. Develop skills in trend analysis, supplier coordination and problem solving to deliver a product offer that keeps customers coming back.
£6,000 per employee
DURATION
15 months
RETAIL SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATE
EMPOWER SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATES TO CREATE PURPOSEFUL IMPACT FOR YOUR BEAUTY BRAND.
Create a culture of positive change within organisations by embedding responsible business practices across all aspects of operations. Cultivate skills in sustainability strategy, stakeholder engagement and ethical governance.
£14,000 per employee
DURATION
18 months
RETAIL DATA INSIGHTS ANALYST
GAIN BUSINESS-CRITICAL INSIGHT WITH DATA ANALYSIS THAT DRIVES SMARTER DECISION-MAKING FOR BEAUTY BRANDS.
Help those already working in a databased role to develop analytical thinking, data modelling and storytelling with data. Uncover trends and intelligence to support sales targets, stock management and customer satisfaction with actionable insight from strategic and secure datasets.
15 months COST DURATION
£15,000 per employee
RETAIL STORE MANAGER
DEVELOP COMMERCIALLY-FOCUSED AND MOTIVATIONAL STORE LEADERSHIP WITH BEAUTY RETAIL EXPERTISE.
Support the development of confident and capable store managers who deliver sales targets, outstanding customer service and operational excellence through leading by example. Foster a coaching mentality that inspires highperforming sales teams, champions brand standards and drives maximum profit.
Upskill individuals to enhance professional performance across teams and departments through structured, non-directive approaches. By building advanced interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, learners will understand how to drive behavioural change to unlock potential and lead transformation.
£5,000 per employee
DURATION
12 months COST
DEVELOP YOUR TEAM’S COACHING SKILLS TO DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY FOR YOUR BEAUTY BUSINESS
£5,000 per employee
DURATION COACHING PROFESSIONAL
15 months COST
RETAIL OPERATIONS EXPERT
DEVELOP YOUR BEAUTY BRAND’S MANAGERS INTO CONFIDENT LEADERS WHO DELIVER RESULTS Equip departmental leaders and project managers with the strategic thinking and resource planning skills to achieve business objectives and continuous improvement. Create future-ready leaders capable of driving efficiency and an inclusive, high-performance culture across multiple teams and locations.
£9,000 per employee
DURATION
15 months COST
ASSISTANT BUYER/ MERCHANDISER
EMPOWER BUYING AND MERCHANDISING TEAMS AT YOUR BEAUTY BRAND TO SHAPE PRODUCT STRATEGY
Develop forecasting, negotiation and commercial planning skills to deliver product ranges that align with brand strategy and customer expectations. Build an agile and high-performing buying and merchandising department who manage complex assortments and budgets with ease. COMING IN 2026 SUPPLY CHAIN SUPERVISOR
£10,000 per employee
18 months COST DURATION
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE ONLY FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS OR YOUNG PEOPLE
Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit. In fact, for some of our higher level apprenticeships, we rarely see those in their teens or early 20s enrol as the seniority required for the apprenticeship is typically more indicative of those in their 30s and beyond!
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE ONLY FOR NEW HIRES
You don’t need to recruit new staff to engage with an apprenticeship. Most of our apprentices to date have been existing employees upskilling in order to add increased value to their organisation and be better lined up for promotions in the future.
APPRENTICES HAVE TO BE PAID LESS
There’s no requirement for staff to take a pay cut when starting an apprenticeship, and we definitely discourage it as this is likely to have a negative impact on talent attraction and retention.
YOUR SITES ARE BASED IN LONDON, SO IT’S NOT SUITABLE FOR US
While our LCBT and FRA campuses are in London, our apprenticeship delivery has operated nationally for many years. We offer many remote and blended learning programmes, meaning staff from all across England can access the same high-quality training without needing to travel. Even for those based in London, this has proven to be an attractive option for those with busy schedules!
ONCE
STAFF FINISH
THEIR APPRENTICESHIP, THEY WILL JUST LEAVE MY BUSINESS AND ANOTHER EMPLOYER WILL BENEFIT INSTEAD WILL GAIN THE SKILLS I INVESTED IN DEVELOPING
Our apprenticeship outcomes show that the majority of apprentices are very loyal to their employer, with many obtaining promotions upon completion and becoming mentors of future apprentices brands sign up. For retail, where turnover is very high, an apprenticeship can also be a reason for staff to remain with their employer as they have a personal ambition to stay to complete their programme.
IT’S HARD TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF APPRENTICESHIPS ON OUR BUSINESS
Our apprenticeships include structured progress reviews, clear milestones, and measured skills outcomes. We have a dedicated team to provide employers with regular updates and contextualise learning in the workplace. In our Ofsted inspection in March 2025, it was stated that: “Most apprentices gain promotions and permanent positions.”
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE VERY COMPLICATED TO SET UP
We have a dedicated team to support you through every stage of apprenticeship setup, meaning the majority of the administrative burden is taken care of - all you need to do is click a few buttons and sign a few documents.
APPRENTICESHIPS WILL BE TOO TIME-CONSUMING AND DISRUPTIVE TO OUR BUSINESS
All our apprenticeships are designed to be flexible. Direct training is often delivered via a blended method of online and in-person sessions, but these are timetabled to accomodate your business needs (for example, many retailers request no training in December to account for the busy Christmas period). The training also incorporates lots of work-based, self-led learning, meaning that the application of new skills at work both meets business needs and counts towards the apprenticeship.
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE EXPENSIVE AND NOT WORTH THE INVESTMENT
For levy-paying employers, apprenticeship costs are already fully funded through your levy ‘pot’. Nonlevy payers can take advantage of 95% government funding for apprenticeships, making them a much cheaper option than privately-funded CPD. Think of it like having a mandatory Netflix subscription: you could choose to buy a DVD tonight, but you could have watched an amazing film you’ve already paid for!
CUSTOMISED TRAINING
Our sector-leading customised training programmes are designed to meet business needs with agile, specific solutions tailored to your budget, timeline and team size. If you want to enhance staff performance, boost employee wellbeing and improve retention rates, customised training is for you.
We partner with your learning and development teams to customise our suite of specialist training programmes to your strategic business objectives and individual KPIs. Tapping into our pool of industry experts with sector-specific experience, we create and deliver practical, actionable learning that quickly and effectively drives measurable impact.
Every programme is supported by a dedicated project manager to oversee logistics and minimise disruption to your day-to-day operations, ensuring a smooth, positive journey for all involved. You can choose from a range of flexible delivery options to suit your needs, ncluding online, onsite or on location delivery, duration, volume and level of employees attending, as well as customising specific add on modules.
We have experience delivering bespoke programmes across a range of topics, including (but not limited to):
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
People leadership, strategic thinking, performance management.
Using software, data management, process digitisation
• Microsoft Excel for retail
• Data analytics
• Data visualisation and Presentation
• AI for retail
We can also offer a range of off-the-shelf solutions and programmes in these areas, ranging from one to five days – get in touch with us to find out more.
SHORT COURSES
Short courses are the ideal bitesize solution for fast results in specific focus areas. Offered at highly competitive rates, our short courses can be run at any time throughout the year.
We can offer short courses in:
• Introduction to Buying & Merchandising
• Retail Maths
• Excel for Retail
More specialist beauty short courses launching soon.
Our short courses are delivered on-site at our central London campus and start from as little as £195 per delegate. There are a number of ways employers can use short courses to augment staff development, such as:
INDIVIDUAL STAFF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Staff can use their employersponsored personal L&D allowance benefit to study a role-relevant short course.
SUPPLEMENT INTERNAL L&D:
Integrate short courses into in-house CPD schemes to support staff skills development and productivity.
ONBOARDING/NEW STARTERS:
Introductory courses are a great alternative to internal inductions for graduate talent starting in your business.
INTEGRATED CAREER PROGRESSION:
Nominate high-potential staff to attend short courses as part of succession planning or leadership development.
APPRENTICESHIP BOLT-ON:
Short courses can be used for extra credit or skills development to maximise the value of their apprenticeship learning.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL EXPOSURE:
Introduce staff to different areas of your business to broaden their understanding and career options.
EARLY TALENT IDENTIFICATION
IDENTIFY HIGH-POTENTIAL CANDIDATES EARLY TO STRENGTHEN EARLY-CAREER RETENTION AND INCREASE THE QUALITY OF HIRES
Our close links with industry are what sets LCBT and our sister college the Fashion Retail Academy apart. Alongside courses developed in collaboration with industry experts, we work with dozens of top beauty salons, spas and retailers to offer our students a broad range of hands-on opportunities and ensure they start their future careers with the experience they need to succeed.
By partnering with us, you can not only benefit from early access to future talent, you can position your brand as an employer of choice to job-ready graduates whilst helping meet your ESG targets.
Opportunities to engage with our students include work placements, mentoring, projects and masterclasses across all our fashion and beauty specialisms. We welcome those with experience in areas such as:
• Marketing & PR
• Buying & Merchandising
• Beauty Therapy
• Hairdressing
• Sustainability
• Make-up
• Business & more.
Access commercially aware fashion and beauty graduates ready to contribute from day one.
Identify high-potential candidates early through live projects, placements and assessment centres.
Try before you hire: Assess real capability in action and improve retention and time-toproductivity.
MASTERCLASSES (LCBT & FRA)
Brand representatives lead insightful talks on a range of essential topics, from an overview of your brand and its operations to more focused workshops that allow the students to test and demonstrate products and techniques.
C-suite executives or brand owners are also able to share their career journeys, discuss their current roles, and offer their perspectives on the retail industry.
Masterclasses bring real-world industry insights into the classroom. Hosting masterclasses can elevate your company’s profile as a leading employer. In conjunction with our Careers Fairs, they offer a platform to showcase your brand’s career opportunities and workplace culture, helping you attract top talent in retail.
MENTORSHIP (FRA)
Mentoring offers a valuable opportunity or mentors to gain experience as a coach whilst gaining first hand access to the next gen mindset, while our student mentees can learn directly from their industry peers.
Since 2017, the undergraduate Mentoring Programme has supported our degree students by offering insight into the industry, advice on portfolios and career paths and helping expand their professional network.
Minimum commitment: 1 x 1 hour session per term, across 2 years (in-person or remote)
Throughout the academic year, brands can set both short-term and long-term challenges for our FE and undergraduate students. This gives students the chance to work on real industry briefs, while brands gain fresh perspectives and insights into the mindset of future retail talent – your current or future consumers. Some of the most successful student project ideas have even been implemented by our brand partners.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES (FRA)
Quick turnaround challenges, set by our industry partners, provide FE students with a chance to sharpen their creative thinking, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills. We collaborate with your brand to create a brief based on a real industry scenario that aligns with current student learning. Working in groups, students devise solutions and present their ideas to your team for feedback, with the retailer selecting the winning team.
UNDERGRADUATE PROJECTS (FRA)
In their first and second years, all our degree students work on a live project set by a brand, lasting around 10 weeks. These projects are aligned with specific course modules, with briefs developed in collaboration with our industry partners. At the end of the module, students present their solutions to your team and peers for valuable feedback.
CASE STUDY: PROJECTS & CHALLENGES
COURSE
Level 4 Visual Merchandising for Fashion (Fashion Retail Academy)
TASKS
• 3D renders of the pop-up space
• Concept board
• Product dispay mock up
• Event planning
With over 150 years of advanced skincare technology, Shiseido is widely regarded as a leading innovator in the skincare industry. The team asked our Level 4 Visual Merchandising students to design an innovative pop-up space at Selfridges, for the relaunch of the brands best selling product, Ultimune Power Infusing Serum.
After receiving the brief from the Shiseido team, the students began their primary research with a visit to Selfridges, where they conducted a SWOT analysis of competitor brands. They applied classroom knowledge to develop 3D renders and mock displays, and developed a creative event concept aimed at promoting the product and engaging consumers.
The outcome was a valuable experience for everyone. The students built confidence in selfdirected research, presented their ideas to the VM team and received tailored feedback from industry experts. Meanwhile, Shiseido gained Valuable insight into the the Gen Z perspective. This offered a fresh lens to help the brand connect with younger consumers and expand its target audience.
WE FOUND THIS A VERY EXHILARATING AND EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE. THE STUDENTS WERE ENGAGING AND SEEMED INTERESTED IN NOT ONLY VM BUT THE WIDER ROLL OUT OF A CAMPAIGN. IT WAS FASCINATING TO SEE THE DIVERSE WAYS THEY INTERPRETED THE BRIEF. WE’RE EXCITED TO COLLABORATE AGAIN IN THE FUTURE”
Get early access to FRA students across different courses and levels, through our placement opportunities – an extended interview and opportunity to assess real-world skills in the workplace! We offer placements from 3 weeks to 3 months and we’ll support you through the planning process with frameworks to help you prepare.
WHAT PLACEMENTS DO WE OFFER?
Qualifying students are offered a 3 week, full-time work placement during their course. We also offer our degree students an extended part-time placement over 3 months, which sees the students spend 2 days per week on their placement alongside their attendance at the FRA.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH STUDENTS I TAKE?
We work with our industry partners to ensure that we allocate those students best suited to the available opportunity, taking into account the nature of the placement, the location and the student’s attendance and work completion.
CAN I OFFER A VIRTUAL OR HYBRID PLACEMENT?
We recognise that it may sometimes be difficult to offer a physical placement due to the location of the student or the brand, so we are supporting our students to complete blended placements in some cases. Contact us to find out more about what kind of placements you can offer.
DO I HAVE TO PAY THE STUDENT?
No, our students have placements built into the course so payment is not required. Brands may consider supporting students with a contribution to travel or lunch.
ARE THERE SET DATES FOR PLACEMENTS?
There are certain times of the year that we offer placements to students depending on the type of course. Please contact us for further information on timings.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PLACEMENT?
Following completion of the work placement, both the student and the brand representative are asked to complete a short feedback form which helps us to ensure that future placements continue to offer value to both the brand and the student.
SUPPORT
If you choose to offer placements, we can support you with a range of suggested content and programmes, to take the pain of planning away from you and ensure you and the student gets the maximum out of this opportunity
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to tap into the bright young minds of our student cohort: with thousands of fashion enthusiasts passing through our doors each year, we can offer unparalleled insight into the attitudes and values of Gen Z as consumers.
PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS (LCBT)
Spot early talent and raise the profile of your brand to students by offering a hands-on learning experience led by an expert. Sessions typically include live demonstrations, practical tasks, 121 feedback and student insights.
LOCATION VISTS (FRA & LCBT)
Showcase your head office environment and boost your employer brand appeal while increasing awareness of career opportunities to students, to support your early careers recruitment pipeline.
FOCUS GROUPS (FRA)
Gather insight direct from Gen Z by conducting a focus group, and gain valuable intel on your future workforce and your customer. Focus groups can take place at one of our campuses or your head office.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS (FRA)
A panel discussion can position you and your brand as thought leaders on key industry topics. Typically featuring 3–4 industry experts in conversation with one of our teachers, we explore themes relevant to students’ learning.
EXTERNAL EVENTS
Need an extra pair of hands for events? Our students are happy to help at fashion shows, press days, launches etc.
GRADUATE RECRUITMENT
Amongst LCBT’s vast network of students, recent graduates and alumni, there’s a good chance that we can help you find the perfect candidate to fill your salon, spa or retail vacancy.
Brands can get early access to meet our students before they graduate at our Careers Fairs – these are extremely popular with recruiters and places go quickly! Whether you are advertising part-time positions suitable for students to work alongside their studies, or entry-level roles for newly-qualified graduates, you’ll find an eager audience.
In addition, job vacancies are promoted to both current and former students, giving you access to the best pool of talent to fill your in-store, salon and head office vacancies at all levels. Our Careers team can work with you to make sure your vacancy gets in front of the right people at the right time.
JOB VACANCIES
Advertise your vacancy through the London College of Beauty Therapy and Fashion Retail Academy Careers team to reach both our current students and alumni network of thousands of fashion, retail and beauty professionals.
From entry-level and part-time roles to management positions, we can help you reach a highly relevant audience and enhance your team with top talent.
CAREERS FAIRS
Careers fairs are held on campus several times a year, offering an excellent opportunity to put your brand in front of our students and talk to them first-hand about careers within your business.
We run careers fairs for both head office recruitment and seasonal parttime workers.
