Jo Lancaster

Having worked in this sector for nearly four decades, I've seen the transformation from traditional beauty therapy to cutting-edge aesthetic procedures. I’ve been part of the UCB community for almost 20 of those years, as I simply love to bring my combination of practical treatment experience, advanced aesthetic procedures, commercial understanding, and up-to-date industry oversight to my students.

My background is in beauty therapy and advanced aesthetics, and I gained a plethora of qualifications ranging from laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation to holistic therapies such as Reflexology. I specialise in skin rejuvenation, which includes addressing the skincare needs of those aged 40+, as well as the nuts and bolts of the industry, such as health and safety protocols and business operations. I also work with the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) to ensure that training and qualifications meet industry and employer needs across the Beauty, Aesthetics, and Wellbeing sectors. So, I have a broad view of the industry that I hope offers extra insight to my students. 

I support students in building the foundations of their careers in the industry, right from day one at UCB. I advise them to start building their professional network as soon as possible, as these contacts will support them long after graduation. UCB provides excellent networking opportunities, so it’s a great idea to make the most of guest speakers, industry events, and practical placements to start building relationships. I’m so proud that some of my former students are now colleagues and industry leaders themselves! 

There’s a misconception that beauty therapy offers a limited career path with few advancement opportunities. However, I’ve witnessed myself the incredible diversity of career trajectories available - from clinic ownership and aesthetic partnerships, product development, training management, to industry leadership roles. Today's graduates can specialise in medical aesthetics, become laser specialists, move into wellness consulting, or transition into education and policy work. The options are limitless; however, you must invest in continuous learning and professional development.