Beauty Trades
April 8, 2025 2025-12-03 21:02Beauty Trades
The beauty industry is a dynamic, evolving field that offers a variety of career opportunities for creative, innovative, hard working individuals. With the ever increasing focus on the importance of health, wellness and self-care, there is a constant demand for well-trained beauty professionals. BTVI’s Department of Beauty Trades seeks to help meet this need by offering programmes which help students acquire skills across several trades in the beauty industry. From cosmetology to hair and nail care to barbering to esthetics, massage therapy and more, we prepare graduates who can freelance, start their own business, work in a salon or spa or as a sales representative. From esthetician to nail technologist, massage therapist to facial specialist, the opportunities in the beauty trades are endless!
Whether you are looking for job security or satisfaction, a job that you actually enjoy, a job with limitless possibilities for self employment or a job that will showcase your talents and creativity, let us help you identify your preference and develop your skills. A career in the beauty industry might just be the right choice for you!
Head of Department
Location: D Block, D1, New Providence Main Campus
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1 (242) 502-6300 (Ext. 6384 or 6401)
Donnalee Minnis
Certificates and Diploma Programmes
Cosmetology Diploma
The Diploma in Cosmetology introduces students to the field of cosmetology and prepares them for employment in the beauty industry. Students acquire the skills and techniques necessary to provide a variety of services for the hair such as cutting and styling, chemical and colouring services, and braiding and weaving.
Students also learn to care for the face and nails, perform manicures and pedicures, and apply basic make-up. Students complete a 160-hour practicum which prepares them for work in an established enterprise or to open and operate their own business.
Massage Therapy Diploma
The Diploma in Massage Therapy introduces students to the field of massage therapy and prepares them for employment in the wellness industry. Students acquire the skills and techniques needed to provide a range of therapeutic massage services, including Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, and sports massages.
Emphasis is placed on maintaining a hygienic therapy environment, adhering to professional standards, and establishing client boundaries. Students complete a 160-hour practicum, where they refine their hands-on skills, and must provide documentary evidence of successful completion of First Aid and CPR training.
Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates may seek employment in spas, wellness centers, and healthcare facilities or establish and operate their own massage therapy business.
Barbering Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity
The Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity in Barbering helps students acquire barbering skills and techniques in hair trimming, cutting, and razor shaving. Students focus on client consultation and the sterilisation and sanitisation of implements to ensure safety and hygiene.
In addition, students are introduced to salon management, equipping them with the knowledge to operate or contribute to a barbering business. This programme spans 180 hours over 15 weeks.
Esthetics Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity
The Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity in Esthetics prepares students to enter the workforce as self-employed estheticians, esthetician assistants, or cosmetics salespersons. Students are introduced to treatments, therapies, products, and procedures that help care for and maintain the skin.
They learn to care for the skin, recommend and apply cleansing procedures, and perform facial treatments, including facial massages and masks. This programme spans 180 hours over 15 weeks.
Nail Technology Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity
The Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity in Nail Technology prepares students to enter the workforce as manicurists, pedicurists, or nail technicians. Students learn to care for the nails and perform treatments such as manicures, pedicures, sculpting, and nail artistry.
They also gain knowledge in the use of appropriate professional products, chemicals, implements, and equipment. Additionally, students learn to apply light-cured and no-light gel as alternatives to artificial nails. This programme spans 180 hours over 15 weeks.
Natural Hair Styling Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity
The Continuing Occupational Education Opportunity in Natural Hair Styling teaches students to care for and maintain natural hair. Students acquire the skills and techniques needed to analyze hair and perform services such as braiding, twisting, locking, shampooing, and maintaining natural hair.
They also learn to apply extensions to natural hair using various techniques, including the two-strand twist, as well as to attach natural hair extensions to relaxed hair. This programme spans 180 hours over 15 weeks.
