New research provides valuable insights concerning upskilling and talent development within the Hair and Beauty sector in Ireland.
- Boosting professional recognition could address skills shortages in the sector, as the profession would be seen as a more attractive career choice.
- Elevating the professional status of those who engage in CPD through public recognition of their competencies and skillset.
- Key opportunity to embed a culture of lifelong learning through a formalised career pathway framework and CPD solutions
New research has been launched that provides the first known investigation concerning upskilling and talent development within the Hair and Beauty sector in Ireland. This research was commissioned and funded by Image Skillnet, a business network of Skillnet Ireland and was conducted by the Management Development Unit (MDU) at the University of Limerick.
Providing unique insight into the breadth of the sector, the report highlights a critical need to develop a skills and talent development pathway for hair and beauty professionals in Ireland. It calls out a particular need to develop and deliver a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework that supports those working in the sector and that addresses the skills needed to support further growth of the Hair and Beauty sector in Ireland.
According to CSO data (2019), the industry employs 25,800 people, throughout 9,286 businesses, and is worth an estimated €2.6bn to the Exchequer. With new trends, technologies and techniques, this industry is ever evolving. Upskilling and talent development is an essential part of this profession, and the sector continually invests in the practical skills required to deliver professional services to their customers.
Image Skillnet Network Manager, Margaret O’Rourke Doherty noted that:
“Professionals within the Hair and Beauty industry are continually engaging in upskilling and talent development. Recognition of learning through a formal CPD framework will help strengthen both the external and internal status and skillset of the industry and those working with in it”
Chantelle Lamont (Development Advisor, Skillnet Ireland), Siobhan Kennedy MSc (PhD, Researcher and Lecturer University of Limerick), Margaret O’Rourke Doherty (Network Manager, Image Skillnet) & Dr. Yvonne Delaney (Director of the Management Development Unit at University of Limerick) pictured at the report launch on Oct 3rd 2022.
There were several key recommendations as a result of this research. Firstly, there is a real need for a sector wide CPD framework to enhance professional recognition. Four pillars were identified to inform the development of this framework: Technical Skills, Practical Skills, Business Knowledge and Health & Safety. The investigation also highlighted several additional benefits that an established framework would provide:
- Boosting professional recognition, which could address the skills shortage as the profession would be seen as a more attractive career choice.
- Elevating the professional status of those who engage in CPD through public recognition of their competencies and skillset.
- Increasing health and safety standards.
- Enabling consumers to make more informed choices when choosing a professional service.
- Endorsing training providers, resulting in higher quality development opportunities which meet the needs of the industry.
- Reducing the cost of ongoing professional development through collective participation.
During this research, the Covid 19 pandemic put the industry along with many others into chaos. However, this sector soon demonstrated its resilience and creativity. Together new business models and new methods were adopted to ensure continuous professional development. The pandemic has also highlighted the significance of this industry to the emotional and psychological well-being of our society. Tackling skills shortages through elevated professional recognition and standards should be a key priority moving forward.
Siobhan Kennedy, author and researcher from the University of Limerick, noted:
“This research illustrates what we all know very well. The Hair and Beauty industry is undervalued. This investigation was as enjoyable as it was informative and contributes to the growing evidence that the sector deserves more recognition. There is a lot of energy within the industry, we have no doubt that this framework will become a reality”.
Find the full research report here.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Margaret O’Rourke Doherty at margaret@imageskillnet.ie