Why study for a CIDESCO qualification?
The CIDESCO (Comite International de Estetique et de Cosmetologie) diploma is the world’s most prestigious qualification in the field of Aesthetics and Beauty therapy. It is the only qualification that is truly international – represented and recognised in 33 countries. Since 1946 the CIDESCO qualification has set standards that have been acknowledged and respected across the five continents.
Employers value the CIDESCO qualification because it proves that you have attained the very highest standard of expertise and professionalism in Aesthetics and Beauty therapy.
"I joined and I had the best 11 months a student could have. It was fun. It was hard work. I had good days. I had bad days but each day was different, each day I learned something new and that’s what I loved about this course. I’ll tell you more about that later but here’s what you need to know..."
Most of the course is practical hands on work. You’ll learn Beauty Therapy theory first and then practice on a fellow classmate. Twice a week is spent in the schools salon which gives you real life, hands on training. You’ll interact with real people and give them whatever treatment they ask for. The school has this really cool rota policy which means you’ll get to experience different roles such as the receptionists, a therapist, the salon manager. My first week in the salon I shadowed a qualified therapist and in that one session alone I got to learn about health and safety in the salon and carrying out support duties.
The next thing you need to know is that there are assessments in the course. At first everybody was really nervous of being assessed and we all tried to put it off but once you get through the first one you really do wonder what all the fuss is about. In fact there comes a point when you want to be assessed! You want to know for yourself if you’ve really understood and are executing the concepts and techniques which you are being taught. Towards the end of the course, we were all queuing up to be assessed because we knew that if we passed our assessment, we’d get our CIDESCO Diploma .
How does the CIDESCO course work?
To obtain the CIDESCO International Diploma you will need to complete 4 modules across an 11 month period if you’re doing the full time course or within 22 months if you’re studying part time. Each module involves practical and theory work. Now, because this is a professional qualification recognised around the world, theory work is essential. It may sound scary but we teach it in small digestible chunks and build you up slowly but surely. This way it is manageable and it can be more interesting. Once you understand the theory the practical work makes more sense and that helps to make you a better Beauty Therapist.
Practical work involves taking what you have learned in theory and practicing on your fellow classmate first and then 2 days a week you’ll work with real clients in the schools salon. As you progress through the course, we will work with you so that you are able to use tools and equipment competently and safely and carry out a wide range of essential treatments to the highest standards which has made The Ray Cochrane Beauty School internationally recognised as a flagship CIDESCO training centre.
Where will this CIDESCO course take me?
Before we talk about what career options are available to you take a look at what some of our past graduates have to say about this course
After completing my diploma, I returned back to my home country of Spain. Within a matter of weeks I was able to secure a job at one of Madrid's most prestigious hotels. The most incredible thing was, the woman who interviewed me knew about the Ray Cochrane Beauty School! I really love my job. As an employee of this hotel, not only to get to meet exciting people but I get incredible perks such as cheap hotel deals all around the world! I really do love my profession
Becoming a Beauty Therapist offers so many exciting employment opportunities and with specialism in a particular field the options become even greater. Just imagine having the opportunity to:
- Start your own salon business or freelance
- Cruise the world whilst working on a luxury liner
- Work in the Film and TV industry as a make-up artist
- Teach your skills to others. Lecture at FE colleges or private institutions
- Work at health farms or Day Spas
- The on demand Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Threading service is booming. Why not start your own company in this area Move into Sales and Marketing of Beauty products
The job opportunities for a Beauty Therapist are as diverse as they are exciting. The choice really is yours.
