You could take a college course like:

• aromatherapy
• complementary therapies

Courses like these may help you to get a trainee position, for example with a professional aromatherapist or business offering spa services.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

You could apply to do a Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This typically takes up to 2 years and is a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could take a training course offered by a private training organisation or professional body, like the International Federation of Aromatherapists.

It's important to check courses carefully to make sure what's being offered is right for you.

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks

As an aromatherapist, you could:

• explain treatments to a client
• take details of the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
• select the oils you feel are appropriate for helping the client
• blend and keep a record of the oils you use
• apply oils during massage treatment
• supply blended oils and instructions for clients to use at home
• refer clients to their GP when necessary

You could work at a health spa, from home, at a client's home or in a therapy clinic.

You may need to wear a uniform.