An Introduction to International Aestheticiennes

From small beginnings in the U.K. the late 1970s, International Aestheticiennes has grown to become one of the best-known professional associations within the world's beauty profession. It is an international network, operating in all parts of the globe, working for the collective good of the industry in a number of ways.

I.A. was founded initially as a response to the need that existed for a modern examination system, with an emphasis on practical, rather than theoretical beauty therapy. For many students, the 'hands on' part of training is always the most enjoyable, but few people relish ploughing through textbooks to learn ‘dry’ facts. It was obvious that most people in the beauty industry enjoy actually doing their job, so I.A. examination syllabuses were planned to be relevant to real therapists working in actual job situations.

Accessible Learning
International Aestheticiennes developed the simple Question and Answer format, to make the essential theoretical aspects of the profession accessible. This has subsequently widely adopted by the profession.

Examination Format
The backbone of International Aestheticiennes is the examination system, which is has done much to raise the standard of beauty training around the world. I.A. exams operate in a modular format, which involves breaking down skills and ideas into digestible chunks, which in turn makes learning easier. This system was developed years ahead of the European N.V.Q. requirements. Whilst the intention of this was to make learning more efficient, and therefore more enjoyable, it has enabled a wider ability range to be taught, opening up the profession to a broader range of entrants.

Long before N.V.Qs, I.A. has provided a world examination standard. Because the examinations are recognised world-wide, a student trained in Singapore can compete on equal terms with one trained in London, Athens or wherever. The standard of I.A. examinations is the same around the world, so holders of I.A. qualifications posess widely accepted and respected certification.

Compatibilty with Open Learning
International Aestheticiennes, realised the benefits of Open Learning in the late 1980s, and collaborated with Medrise Limited to produce the ‘best ‘ Open Learning materials. These cover I.A. syllabuses, utilising a similar Question and Answer format along with interactive distance learnig techniques. Because of this modular structure, skill development becomes more accessible, and easier to teach.

The world-wide nature of I.A.
International Aestheticiennes common sense approach to examinations has been enthusiastically received, and today, I.A. members in 50 countries are either working members of I.A., or use our syllabuses and examinations to train the future members of our profession. Many leading beauty training centres have adopted the I.A. way of working, and throughout the world, an International Aestheticiennes diploma is recognised as representing the very highest standards of training.

I.A.’s professional membership base
The secret of International Aestheticiennes’ success is easily to identify - it is based on the principle of being a successful member of the profession.

The membership system operates on many levels, involving everyone, from teachers and administrators, to salon or home based therapists, and those involved in the retail and service side of the industry. Beauty professionals need to keep progressing professionally in order to remain competitive. Even well trained and qualified professionals need to constantly upgrade their skills to maximise their earning potential. International Aestheticiennes’ advanced training courses are operated in the U.K. and overseas to train and re-train therapists in new technologies. Training establishments have found that unless they offer state of the art examinations, with open learning and flexible studies, their students or trainees will be disadvantaged. I.A. works to bring such salons up to international standard.

I.A Headquarters
International Aestheticiennes is based in Westgate House, a modern and spacious building in Greater Manchester, England. From here, the organisation’s staff cover hundreds of thousands of miles each year, examining, teaching, inspecting and spreading the word of I.A. Their task is to help therapists, teachers and students become successful.

Membership Benefits
Beauty therapists benefit from their I.A. membership in many ways, the most crucial being through Professional Indemnity Insurance cover, which the association can provide to members in certain countries. The dangers of working whilst uninsured are obvious. I.A. membership offers day-to-day professional protection to qualified therapists.

The value of an International Aestheticiennes diploma on a salon wall is reflected in increased earnings as well as prestige. If clients are reassured that their therapist has up-to-date qualifications, that increases their confidence and salon profitability.

World Aesthetician
I.A. acts as a vehicle for the exchange and broadcasting of new ideas. It is no longer enough for an association just to report what has been, it needs to keep it's members informed about what will be affecting them in the future, in order that they can plan, learn and adapt for success.

Our newsletter, 'World Aesthetician' is a fully fledged trade magazine, which keeps our members in touch and up-to-date. We want to make everyone in the industry feel that they belong, not just to their salon or school, but to their profession.

We can only progress by learning, and we can only learn by being prepared to look, listen and assimilate the best ideas from those at the top of the profession.

Westgate House, Park Road, Bolton,
Greater Manchester, BL1 4RF.
United Kingdom. UK.

info@iabeauty.com

Tel UK +44 (0)1204 535385 Fax UK+44 (0)1204 535386