Posted on: Friday 1 December 2023
Starting from next year, all professionals who offer body art and acupuncture services in Wales will need to obtain a mandatory licence to operate.
This includes tattoo artists, body piercers, semi-permanent make-up artists, acupuncturists and electrologists.
To help practitioners meet the new Welsh Government licensing requirements, Torfaen Adult Community Learning is offering the Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control.
This course is designed for anyone who performs special procedures that involve breaking the skin barrier and pose a risk of infection.
The course will cover the essential skills and knowledge needed to prevent and control infections, such as hygiene practices, sterilisation methods, waste disposal, personal protective equipment and aftercare advice.
By completing the course, practitioners will be able to demonstrate their competence and professionalism to their clients and regulators.
Robbie Taylor, 42, who owns Evermore Tattoo Collective in Trevethin, took part in a Welsh Government pilot for the qualification.
He said: “Infection control training is extremely important because of the knowledge and insight you get that you wouldn’t be taught in any other training course.
“I have been tattooing for a very long time and there is a saying that you will never learn everything in tattooing, and this course highlights that statement. I have learned about skin conditions that would affect the tattooing process, and I have learnt about correct and incorrect disinfection practices which was very insightful.
“Making sure that everyone in the industry is following the same procedures will ensure that infection is kept to a minimum and that standards are high. Customers can feel safe, knowing we are all trained to the same standards.”
Jo Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills & Regeneration, said: “The qualification will be an important step in helping to ensure the health and safety of people undergoing these procedures and the practitioners themselves. I am delighted that local practitioners will be able to access this training locally, through Torfaen County Borough Council, in their local communities and ensure they are compliant then the changes to the Public Health Bill are made.”
The course is online, via self-directed study and costs £99 per person.
On completion, candidates will need to attend an in person exam in one of our 3 Adult Community Learning Centre’s in Torfaen.
Funding for the course may be available through the Councils Torfaen Works employability programmes.
To book your place, please contact the ACL team on 01633 647647 or email course.enq@torfaen.gov.uk