SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

Vaishali Shah, Co-founder, LTA School of Beauty discusses with Priyanka Parshurami how India’s hair and beauty landscape transformed to be on par with global benchmarks.

Founded in 2005, LTA School of Beauty emerged from the realisation that the beauty industry in India needed a sustainable source of skilled professionals. Vaishali Shah, Co-founder, reflects on the challenges and motivations behind the inception of LTA. “Initially, we ran salons as a franchisee. However, the lack of trained manpower led us to launch the academy,” she says. “We began with one centre in Mumbai, expanded to 14 by 2015, and consolidated to nine academies to ensure quality training and placements.”

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES

What sets LTA apart is its focus on real-world readiness. “Our programs are designed to make candidates jobready, not just certified,” she stresses. LTA employs unique assessment methods, including a ‘salon experiential exam’ where students serve actual clients to simulate a real-world environment. “This approach helps us maintain high standards and equips our students with practical skills,” says Shah.

EVOLUTION IN BEAUTY EDUCATION

The beauty and hair education landscape has experienced a significant transformation. “From 2012 to 2019, we saw a surge in demand for professional beauty education, with more serious and educated individuals joining the industry,” Shah notes. However, the postCOVID period saw a dip, with many turning to online tutorials. “But this trend is auto-correcting,” she adds, expecting a return to formal training in the next three to four years due to the temporary nature of employment gained through informal education.

ALIGNING WITH GLOBAL STANDARDS

LTA’s approach to education involves continuously aligning its curriculum with global standards. “As part of the World Skills community, we stay updated on international trends and technologies. We are revamping our programs to reflect industry changes, such as moving towards machine-based treatments and dry manicures to minimise infections,” Shah explains.

CURRICULUM UPDATES

LTA’s curriculum evolves based on industry needs, introducing specialised training in areas like diabetic foot care. “We are partnering with an international school to bring in advanced programs, including paramedic involvement for foot care,” reveals Shah. By doing so, LTA ensures that students are well-versed in the latest global practices.

MAKING THEM BIZ-SAVVY

In addition to technical skills, LTA is incorporating business acumen into its courses. “Grooming, communication, and business skills are now integral parts of our training, recognising that today’s professionals need more than just technical know-how,” she states. LTA also places a strong emphasis on continuous learning, allowing students to attend extra practical sessions at no additional cost.

Our goal is to keep evolving, setting higher standards, and preparing students to excel in an ever-changing industry.

UPHOLDING QUALITY STANDARDS

Maintaining stringent quality standards, LTA uses a grading system that reflects a student’s competency level. “Our assessments are tough but fair, ensuring our students meet industry expectations,” Shah adds. Even slow learners are given opportunities to enhance their skills through additional support and guidance.

LOOKING AHEAD

With a commitment to innovation and quality, LTA continues to set benchmarks in beauty education. “Our goal is to keep evolving, setting higher standards, and preparing students to excel in an ever-changing industry,” concludes Shah.

By focusing on comprehensive training that blends technical skills with business savvy, LTA is revolutionising the future of beauty education in India.