The hair and beauty industry supports almost six hundred thousand jobs – that’s one in every 60 in the UK – and these roles contribute almost £30 billion pounds to the British Economy. What’s more, successful careers in the beauty industry lead to six figure salaries and prestigious recognition for contribution to society, by supporting mental and physical wellbeing and positive self-esteem.

That said, the value of beauty careers in STEM have been long underestimated, making it difficult for young people to realise the diverse opportunities available to them in the industry. This has resulted in a shrinking pipeline of talent to our industry which has been hit post-Brexit and in the aftermath of Covid-19.

The British Beauty Council is tackling this lack of awareness with the Future Talent Programme. Supported by the Department for Education, The Careers & Enterprise Company and STEM Learning, the programme will be seeded out via The Careers Hub Network, to schools across England in order to inspire and educate young people in the most formative years of their educational careers.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan says:

‘From hair products to skincare, the beauty industry is a huge part of our daily lives – but its importance is more than skin deep. The industry is worth billions to our economy and as the Future Talent Programme will demonstrate, offers a great route for young people to launch careers in science and technology.

‘As a former apprentice myself, there has never been a better time to launch this new programme than National Apprenticeship Week. Doing an apprenticeship means you earn while you learn and gain the skills and knowledge businesses really value.

‘There are a huge range of apprenticeship opportunities available to young people interested in a career in the beauty industry, with options including laboratory and research scientist, digital marketing, beauty therapy, and buying and merchandising.’

The Future Talent Programme showcases self-expression in the beauty industry as a route to happy and successful careers. It does so by tapping into Gen Z beauty lovers, by harnessing influential voices including Jamie Genevieve, Plastic Boy and The Welsh Twins to create a series of short films covering beauty and STEM opportunities in cosmetic science, sustainability, fragrance and technology.

Currently, 75% of STEM-based roles are occupied by men and only 33% of 10-13-year-olds aspire to develop a STEM career. Knowing this, the Future Talent Programme is dedicated to highlighting career pathways to young people, aged 11-18, inspiring them to see value in their current education.

Following the signing of a trailblazing Memorandum of Understanding with STEM Learning, the Council is also facilitating a beauty STEM Ambassador Programme. This will see dynamic industry leaders visit schools to share their inspiring expertise and career advice with the next generation of beauty innovators.

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills are vital to the beauty industry. Whether it’s product formulation, sustainable packaging innovation, website design, supply chain efficiency or the various careers in-between, personal care couldn’t exist without STEM experts.

Minister for Technology and Digital Economy, Paul Scully MP says:

‘I am delighted that the British Beauty Council is taking steps to develop the Future Talent Programme to showcase how a career in beauty-tech really is open to everybody.

‘The potential that tech has to offer the beauty sector is unmatched with developments like AI, the metaverse and NFTs providing tech opportunities for STEM graduates. This is an incredibly exciting industry to be a part of and we want as many young people as possible to be involved in its overwhelming success. I look forward to seeing what the next generation of beauty pioneers will create.’

During its pilot phase, STEM Learning estimates that the programme has reached a total of 25k schools, primary and secondary, and an additional 10,424 teachers via an additional dedicated newsletter.

The British Beauty Council has worked with Estée Lauder Companies, L’Oréal, No7 Beauty Company, Superdrug, Deciem and The Fragrance Foundation to execute the cross-industry campaign.

On the Future Talent Programme, Millie Kendall O.B.E., CEO of the British Beauty Council says:

‘As a young person I never knew of the abundant and fulfilling careers available in the beauty and cosmetics industry. I worked as a hairdresser, and only by trial and error did I end up with the colourful career I have managed to create. We want this programme to fast track young people towards suitable career options, thus ensuring we have a seamless flow of talent.’

The Future Talent Programme will exist beyond this initial roll-out to explore different career areas including marketing and communications, buying and merchandising and beyond.