A peek into the beauty and wellness management courses in ITE

It ran like a typical science class. First, the lecturer gave a presentation about pH, covering its importance and influence in products. Then, she donned a lab coat to demonstrate the use of a pH meter, a device that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

The students, though, were all female and dressed in smart black outfits with immaculate hair and make-up.

This was an ITE College East class for those taking a technical diploma in beauty and wellness management – the highest level in ITE’s offerings focusing on beauty and wellness – that was introduced in 2023. Technical diplomas are full-time courses that have tie-ups with overseas institutions. To qualify for entry, students generally have to complete certain Nitec or Higher Nitec courses and meet required grades.

Taking the technical diploma

Science is an important component in the course, interviewed students said. For instance, other than learning about product formulation, which could prepare them to work in companies making beauty products, they also learn about physiology and the human body, such as where the lymph nodes are located, which is necessary knowledge for those providing detoxing massages.

First-year technical diploma student Christine Huang Yan Xin, 20, said she had a passion for the beauty industry and has been watching make-up and nail videos on social media platforms since she was 13 years old.

She was from the Nitec in Beauty and Wellness in ITE before deciding to further her studies by taking the technical diploma. She said: “This allows me to complete my diploma in a shorter period, compared to a traditional route of spending another two more years in Higher Nitec before progressing further.”

For Ms Amirra Annastasshia Abas, 21, who has entrepreneurial ambitions, the technical diploma is a step towards her dream of building up a perfume business.

She said: “(The technical diploma) allows me to develop my practical skills in creating perfumes, make-up and also other beauty products, which align perfectly to my passion because I want to have my own perfume brand in the future.”

She had earned a Higher Nitec in beauty and wellness management before proceeding to take the technical diploma.

Not all who are currently enrolled in the technical diploma previously studied beauty and wellness.

For instance, Ms See Hwee Suan, 21, completed her Higher Nitec in human resource and administration at ITE but decided to pursue the technical diploma in beauty and wellness out of interest.

At the end of the two years of the technical diploma, students will also receive a higher diploma in beauty and personal care products (wellness management) from Hong Kong Vocational Training Council. They can also opt to take an additional beauty therapy diploma from Comite International d’Esthetique et de Cosmetologie (Cidesco).

Said Ms Lynn Tan, the director of School of Business and Services at ITE College East: “Cidesco is the world standard for beauty and spa therapy, recognised and respected worldwide within the beauty and spa industry.”

Ms See hopes that with her ITE certifications, she can also have the opportunity to work overseas one day, in the beauty and wellness industry.

Taking a Higher Nitec in beauty and wellness management

ITE also combined its two-year Nitec and two-year Higher Nitec programmes in beauty and wellness management. Under the new curriculum, students will now obtain a Higher Nitec in just three years and also build a stronger foundation, said Ms Tan.

Ms Tan said Higher Nitec students now start with broad-based foundation courses in Year 1, which cover topics such as the communication of salon business, social media marketing, customer service and selling, and salon operations and management.

The foundation courses help them to build essential industry-relevant skills before progressing to take more specialised modules in Years 2 and 3, leading to their Higher Nitec certification, she said.

She added: “A key feature of the enhanced curriculum is the increased focus on internships, where students will benefit from two internship stints – three months in Year 2 and six months in Year 3.” Each intake has around 80 students.

Its graduates could get roles such as consultants within spa chains, freelance make-up artists, and junior positions at the beauty brands. They could also continue to study for another two years by taking the technical diploma in beauty and wellness management.

Working in the industry

Ms Lim Hui Fang, 25, who graduated in 2020 with a Higher Nitec in beauty and wellness management, and had won Worldskills awards while a student, said she gained technical expertise and problem-solving skills at ITE that helped her deal with challenges such as managing cash flow, client scheduling and managing inventory.

She worked as a beautician and was promoted to outlet manager before eventually opening her own business, Alluring Skin Facial. She said: “What I found rewarding was that with the skills I learnt and applied, I was able to fulfil my entrepreneurial dreams of opening my own salon.”

For students eager to make their mark in the industry, she has this advice: “Upgrading is important; what you’ve learnt will be yours. Build your confidence and rapport with your customers. A successful career in the beauty and wellness industry requires a combination of technical skills, excellent customer service and effective marketing abilities.”

Fun facts about the beauty and wellness courses in ITE

Applicants have to undergo medical examination

Students work on one another as live models for their lessons. Hence, they have to undergo a medical examination by an examining doctor to “ensure that they are medically fit to perform the beauty services and to receive the services as live models”, said ITE’s Lynn Tan. The shortlisted applicants are required to pass a prescribed medical examination at assigned clinics.

Students train in real-world environments

The students do practical training on one another on campus, in spaces that replicate real-world settings, such as spas, nail salons and hair salons.

Students learn about the business side of the beauty and wellness industry

Students don’t just learn how to make customers look good. They also take classes in business communication, social media marketing, and customer relationship management.