A regulated qualification has benefits for everyone, from training providers, consumers and learners to awarding bodies themselves.
Regulators, like Ofqual, require awarding bodies to review approved qualifications frequently to verify that they are still fit for purpose. This is because techniques that may have been relevant a couple of years ago quickly become outdated, meaning that passionate, highly skilled and well-intentioned practitioners may be unwittingly left with gaps in their
knowledge.
If a practitioner is not wholly equipped with a robust understanding of the industry, including any new advancements, this could lead to a dissatisfied customer or worse still – unsafe practices.
The process of reviewing qualifications against the requirements set out on a continuous basis ensures that qualifications are always at the cutting edge of new advancements and evolve at the same pace as industries that are constantly innovating. This gives peace of mind to not only the consumer receiving treatment but also to training providers and awarding bodies that have the duty to provide future professionals with the skillset they need to flourish.
As well as this, a regulated qualification gives learners reassurance that they are equipped with all the skills they need to excel. Leaving training and being entrusted by clientele to achieve their hair, beauty, complementary therapy or fitness goals can be a daunting responsibility for a new practitioner. The quality mark of a regulated qualification provides an extra boost of confidence, as it represents that learners have been thoroughly evaluated, assessed and quality assured to be deemed competent, skilled and knowledgeable.
A lack of standardisation within unregulated qualifications means there is no threshold for what constitutes adequate learning or robust course content and assessment. Essentially, there is no obligation for anyone to “check the checkers” and scrutinise qualifications to ens
ure they meet and exceed the fast-changing industry standards.
The coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the ever-changing needs of the personal care sector and the knock-on effect it has on learning. Close contact services have had to adapt quickly to a brand new phenomenon, and in turn, qualifications had to reflect this sudden impact. Rigorous regulation of qualifications such as the VTCT(ITEC)Covid-19 infection prevention suite means that both learners and clientele can be assured that their treatments are delivered in the safest way, especially during uncertain times.
The importance of a regulated qualification – The Current Landscape
The importance of a regulated qualification – What is a regulated qualification?