Job Family: Personal and Other Services, including Hair and Beauty

Workers in personal and other services generally use their skills to help people look well groomed and attractive, or to make our living and working environments cleaner, safer and more hygienic. Many jobs are at operative or technician level, although there are opportunities at every level, including professional and managerial.

Careers are available in:

• cleaning services - ranging from cleaning streets and buildings to cars and clothes
• hairdressing, beauty and personal presentation - helping people to look and feel their best
• funeral services - managing arrangements for funerals, cremations and burials.

Working hours vary. Many jobs involve working evenings, weekends and sometimes early mornings. Part-time work is often available. Working environments include hair and beauty salons, schools, offices, shops, private houses, hospitals, hotels, factories, crematoriums and cemeteries. Some jobs involve working outdoors in all weather conditions. Many workers deal with dust, dirt, waste products and potentially dangerous chemicals. Protective clothing is often worn and safety equipment used when required.

Many employers are small businesses with only a few members of staff. However, jobs are also available with local authorities and in large companies with branches in different locations. Self-employment is common in some areas. Jobs are available across the UK. There may be more demand for some services in towns and cities.

• Over 700,000 people are employed in the UK cleaning sector.
• Hair and beauty employs over 240,000 people.
• Between 15,000 and 17,000 people are employed in the funeral industry.

People who work in this sector need a methodical and responsible approach to work. Good teamwork, communication and people skills are essential for many roles. Some jobs are practical and active and may involve lifting or carrying. Jobs in hairdressing, beauty and body art also require creative flair and good hand-eye coordination.

There are no set entry requirements for many jobs. However, there are career opportunities at many levels, with entry qualifications including GCSEs, work-related qualifications such as NVQs, national diplomas, HNCs/HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees. The Diploma in hair and beauty studies may be relevant for some jobs.

Many employers provide on-the-job training, which may lead to work-related qualifications such as NVQs. It may be possible to work towards qualifications on a part-time basis, perhaps through a distance-learning course. Some employers offer Apprenticeships.

Promotion prospects may be limited with smaller employers. In larger organisations it may be possible to progress to jobs with higher skill levels, or to supervisory or managerial roles. For those with experience, in some careers it may be possible to become self-employed.

Why not have a look at other career family articles as they may hold information on related jobs.

March 2010