Education agenda for 2026 focuses on strengthening the industry’s future workforce by improving access to career opportunities, building stronger links between education and employers, and creating clearer pathways into the sector.

Building on the success of previous programmes, the Council will expand hands-on industry experiences, increase regional engagement, and support progression from early education through to leadership in 2026. The goal is to help develop a skilled, diverse workforce that reflects the evolving needs of the beauty industry.

Expanding Access Through Schools and Youth Engagement

A key focus is the continued growth of the British Beauty Council x Futures for All Work Experience Programme, which introduces young people from all backgrounds to careers across beauty.

In 2025, more than 300 students took part in placements with brands including Medik8, Matrix and Pelham, gaining insight into creative, technical, commercial and operational roles. In 2026, the programme will expand further with a new in-person pilot for students aged 16–19, designed to offer deeper, more immersive industry experiences.

The Council will also continue its partnership with West Youth Zone in White City London, delivering practical workshops for young people aged 14–16. Following the success of a nail-focused workshop with Bio Sculpture in 2025, the programme will grow to include more skills-based sessions that build confidence, introduce career opportunities and strengthen links between local communities and industry professionals.

Higher Education: Building Structured Progression Pathways

At a higher education level, the Council is addressing a critical gap in structured progression routes into head-office and commercial roles within the beauty industry.

In partnership with the Education for Industry Group (EFI Group), the Council will co-develop a new suite of Level 4 qualifications designed specifically to bridge the gap between Level 2 and Level 3 vocational training and professional employment in the sector.

This initiative responds directly to a recognised challenge within the industry: while many learners enter further education through practical beauty and therapy pathways, a significant proportion do not progress into employment or further structured training, resulting in untapped talent and individuals becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

At the same time, many of these learners express an interest in transitioning into office-based, commercial, and strategic roles such as marketing, operations, buying, product development, and compliance. However, there is currently limited structured provision to support this transition.

The new Level 4 qualifications will address this gap by providing a clear, accessible bridge into head-office careers. They will build upon learners’ existing practical knowledge while developing the commercial, analytical, and professional skills required to succeed in business-facing roles.

The Council and EFI Group will establish a dedicated industry working group to guide the development of these qualifications. This group will include employers, industry experts, and sector stakeholders, ensuring that content is aligned with real workforce needs, future skills demands, and evolving job roles within the beauty industry.

This approach ensures that the qualifications are not only educationally robust, but also directly responsive to employer requirements, helping to improve retention, progression, and diversity across the sector.

Supporting Student Talent

The British Beauty Council x UNiDAYS x Sephora Student Shadow Board returns for a second year in 2026, following a successful launch in 2025.

Created to give further education students direct access to mentorship and industry insight, the initiative received more than 400 applications in its first year. Five students were selected to receive a £3,000 development grant alongside mentoring, networking opportunities and access to senior leaders from across the beauty industry.

The programme reflects the Council’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and ensuring young voices help shape the future of beauty.