New VTCT Skills injectables qualification offers credible alternative to fast-track training 

2 Mins Read | Published 22 May 2025 | By Anthony March

Today, VTCT Skills has launched a new injectables qualification built specifically for non-medical beauty professionals as part of a fully regulated suite that maps a clear progression from Level 4 to Level 7. 

For over 60 years, VTCT Skills has set the standards in professional beauty training – from founder Wallace Sharps coining the term “beauty therapy” to establishing the UK’s first beauty training school. Now, VTCT Skills is bringing its market-leading beauty expertise to one of the industry’s most contested spaces: injectables. 

The injectables industry has seen a wave of training aimed at capitalising on the multi-billion-pound market. But in the rush to commercialise, the beauty-led aesthetics sector has been left contending with a lack of regulation, limited access to reliable training, and a growing reputation as the “wild west”. 

New survey findings* from VTCT Skills highlight the scale of the issue: 

  • 69% of training providers said rushed, unregulated courses are the biggest threat to the industry  
  • 64% lack of trustworthy training with realistic progression routes is their biggest barrier to offering injectables 
  • Nearly all respondents (95%) cited that public perception of beauty-led injectables was damaged  

In response, VTCT Skills has launched a credible alternative to rushed injectables courses. It has built a full progression pathway designed to anchor advanced aesthetics knowledge before learners ever reach injectables.  

“As injectables have become a high-value space with no guardrails, it’s beauty professionals who’ve paid the price. Their reputation, access, and credibility have all been put at risk by fast-track training,” said Ashley Barnes, VTCT Skills Deputy Chief Executive Officer. 
“We felt a responsibility to create something that genuinely supports them to enter injectables safely. This launch is about restoring what should have always existed: a credible, structured pathway that returns dignity and trust to skilled beauty professionals.” 

The new suite maps a full journey to advanced practice, aligning with sector expectations for regulated training, insurability, and client safety. 

Full qualification information is available here: https://www.vtctskills.org.uk/qualifications/new-aesthetics-pathway/  

*Source: VTCT Skills surveyed 61 UK-based beauty therapy training providers