Working in personal services
Personal services involve providing those things that people may not have the time or expertise to do for themselves.
They include jobs caring for people’s appearance and wellbeing, such as hair stylist, beauty therapist, massage therapist or chiropodist. Some jobs involve looking after people’s homes, such as cleaning or pest control. Other personal service jobs include planning parties or weddings, arranging funerals and translating into another language, including sign language.
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Career maps
Refer to this useful chart that explains the different sorts of jobs in the personal services sector and what qualifications are required for each role.
Funeral Operations and Services
Future careers
As people get busier and busier, they need good-quality services to make their lives run more smoothly. Ironing, house sitting while people are away and lifestyle management are all in demand. Beauty treatments are becoming more high-tech, with laser and injectable treatments becoming more popular.
Things to consider
Things you may need to know:
- Some hairdressers, massage therapists, wedding planners and interpreters are self-employed.
- Their income depends on the area in which they work and how they choose to develop their business.
- Jobs that use dangerous chemicals may have age restrictions, such as over 18s only. These jobs might include dry cleaning, pest control and cleaning.
- Good customer service skills are absolutely vital in all personal services careers
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