Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments

Beauty therapists carrying out IPL or laser treatments must have a level 4 qualification in these specialist treatments in order to comply with current regulations (while these qualifications are also recognised by insurance companies). This course builds on your existing knowledge and understanding of therapy skills and helps you to develop an enhanced repertoire of technical skills.

The course covers the skills involved in providing a thorough consultation with the client to formulate a specific course of treatment tailored to suit their individual needs, using laser/IPL treatments for skin rejuvenation and hair removal, and managing health & safety and security within the salon. On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a VTCT accredited qualification.

Entry Requirements

You will need to be qualified up to level 3 in Beauty Therapy (including electrotherapy or epilation) or have another relevant qualification/training background eg tattoo removal, laser or IPL experience.

You will meet with staff to discuss whether this course is suitable for you and we'll ask you to complete a free writing task to indicate that you have an appropriate level of English ability. You may also be required to perform a trade test. In addition, a good standard of IT skills is required as the course is a blend of online and practical learning.

Assessment Method

There are three methods of assessment:

• Practical observation (where you demonstrate your skills on clients)
• Oral (where you answer questions on your underpinning knowledge of the skills)
• Written (where you carry out independent research and complete an assignment and online exams).

Aims of the course

The aim of this course is to enable you to promote yourself as an advanced therapist providing safe and professional laser/IPL treatments for hair removal and skin rejuvenation.

Progression Opportunities

Following this course you could progress on to the VTCT Level 4 award in physiology for:

• Advanced Beauty Therapy (QCF)
• VTCT Level 4 Certificate in salon management (QCF)
• VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy (QCF),
• VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Salon Management (QCF) -VTCT Level 4 Certificate in micropigmentation.

Facilities

Practical skills are delivered by experienced industry experts using industry-recognised tools and products in our fully equipped salon. Our skilled teaching staff will utilise technology such as iPads and television viewing screens to support practical learning, enabling you to view demonstrations and close-up shots as many times as you need to during your practice. You will be able to gain realistic experience working on clients at our T'ien salon on campus.

Career Options

This qualification will enable you to deliver laser and IPL treatments in commercial salons, advanced medical/spa settings, or through independent/self-employed work.

Lewisham College is a thriving further education college in London, based in the heart of our community across two well-equipped campuses at Lewisham Way and Deptford Bridge.

We offer an extensive range of full-time and part-time qualifications, including A-Levels, ESOL, vocational diplomas, access to HE courses, and apprenticeships across a variety of subject areas for 16-18-year olds and adults.

From our fine-dining Phoenix restaurant and Tien Hair & Beauty Salon in Lewisham Way to our specialist Construction and Engineering workshops in Deptford Bridge, we provide students with facilities that reflect those found in the industry. These facilities, combined with engaging teaching delivered by tutors with real industry experience, allows our students to gain the practical skills and experience required to fulfill their full potential.

We want to create inspired, knowledgeable, and award-winning students. And we’ll strive to equip you with fundamental and hands-on expertise in a subject you’re passionate about, so you’re ready to take that next step.

What we offer:

• Top-quality education and training from London’s no 3 college
• A friendly, supportive community where your voice matters
• Impressive campuses in Lewisham and Deptford, which are easily accessible by tube, DLR, train, and bus
• State-of-the-art facilities that reflect what you’ll find in the industry
• Courses at a variety of levels, enabling you to start studying the subject you love right away and then progress on to the next level
• Strong business partnerships, ensuring you gain the skills employers are looking for
• Access to advanced resources and innovative teaching as part of the UK’s largest provider of further education
• Excellent Student Support service to iron out any problems, helping you get the most out of your College experience

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

NCG and all its constituent colleges are committed to ensuring that our students, our staff, and all of our stakeholders’ study and work in environments that embed the principles and practices of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not tolerate racism or discrimination in any form.

Recent world events highlight the need to look even more closely at what we do and how we do it and make sure we know we are doing everything we can and should do to tackle racism and all other forms of discrimination and prejudice.

NCG is dedicated to our mission in pursuit of social mobility, in an inclusive and diverse learning community, and we know that great organisations really listen to stakeholders without defensiveness, or being distracted, or making excuses.

We have committed to revisit and review our work over the next few months to ensure we are in the leading class of practice in creating a diverse and inclusive environment. This work will begin in earnest in June and will accelerate over the summer, culminating in a revised and refreshed comprehensive EDI strategy and action plan, so that we know we can demonstrate continuous learning and lead the sector on EDI through external accreditation.

We will enhance our existing EDI Strategy through new work with EWG, an established specialist diversity and inclusion consultancy and training company, to:

• Carry out a forensic review and analysis of all policies, processes, and practices through equality, diversity, and inclusion lens. This will include all the work of our People and Development colleagues, and will also give an assessment of management and leadership programmes, and all learning and development offer.
• Perform additional qualitative research with staff and students about their current experience of EDI at NCG. We will talk to a representative range of staff and student groups by role, characteristics, length of tenure and so on.
• Revisit our performance indicators on EDI to ensure we can measure our progress effectively.
• Commit to achieving/work towards achieving EWG’s Diversity Development Standard at the highest level as soon as possible.
• Build the capacity of all of our staff to understand how unconscious bias works and ensure they have the skills to eliminate discrimination and prejudice through a blended learning and development programme. The learning from that will then be translated into our entire curriculum offer for students.

Please help us to be the organisation that you are proud of and want to work with by being involved in the forthcoming work to make sure we do things better.

Our campuses

Lewisham Way campus

Lewisham Way is our main campus, offering a wide range of full-time, part-time, evening, and short courses. Situated just outside Lewisham’s busy center, it has a Tesco and a number of food outlets and cafes nearby, while Lewisham Shopping Centre is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride away.

Our campus features a lovely courtyard where many students spend their lunch-time, and there are also outdoor parks within minutes of the campus where you can relax during breaks between lessons.

Deptford Bridge campus

Our impressive Deptford Bridge campus specialises in training for construction and the construction trades. The campus is well located for local amenities with a Tesco one minute away and Deptford High Street – which has a wide range of shops – a couple of minutes away.

Careers and employability

At Lewisham College, your career ambitions are important to us. Right from the first time you step inside the College, we will talk to you about what you’d like to do in the future – and we’ll help you to plan the best route to get there.

Our vocational courses are strongly focused on preparing you to work in your chosen sector. Taught by tutors who have worked in the industry, they usually include work experience as an integral part of the course. In addition, our experienced Guidance and Progression Officers are on-hand to offer you a range of support to help you fulfill your career ambitions, including:

• Giving you information about different career paths
• Helping to identify the best course for you
• Assisting you in applying for Higher Education
• Giving you access to a range of opportunities to increase your employability such as work placements, internships, and volunteering
• Helping you find and apply for a job

You can access our careers advice and guidance via our Customer Services desks at the front of the Lewisham Way or Deptford campus buildings or ask to be referred by your tutor.