Clara Bonner, an 18-year-old from Dungloe, completed a 36-week full-time Beauty Therapist course at Donegal College of Further Education and Training in June 2026 and secured full-time employment at Stairway to Beauty in Dungloe just weeks later. The programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, provided her with the practical skills and globally recognised ITEC qualifications needed to launch her career in the beauty industry.
The 36-week full-time Diploma for Beauty Specialists is taught by industry leaders Mary Ferry and Breda Boyd in Gweedore, located just 20 minutes from Clara’s home. Clara transitioned straight into the course from the Leaving Certificate Applied programme after discovering her interest in hair and beauty through a school module. The curriculum is divided into two stages: the first 20 weeks cover skin and eye treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures, professional conduct, and makeup, while the final 16 weeks focus on holistic massage and gel nails. Students also complete add-on courses in BIAB, eyelash and brow lamination, and advanced makeup.
Practical learning is a cornerstone of the programme, with students working on each other and managing a workload that includes evening revision and morning tests. Clara completed her work placement at Skin Buff in Ardara, which she noted was vital for understanding real-world client interaction and professional conduct. To support accessibility, students receive a complete kit containing all necessary supplies alongside a travel allowance for driving to and from Gweedore during the week.
Did You Know? Students enrolled in the Donegal College Beauty Therapist programme receive a complete kit containing everything they need, meaning participants only require a notepad and a pen during classes.
Beyond her current employment at Stairway to Beauty, Clara’s qualifications have laid the groundwork for further education. She has applied for a Hairdressing course in Letterkenny scheduled to begin in October, building on a previous ten-week Friday evening course to combine her hair and beauty skills. The Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist, Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, and Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Techniques she earned are ITEC-accredited qualifications designed to open doors to salons, spas, luxury resorts, cruise liners, and wellness centres worldwide.
Donegal College Open Week Events
Clara’s progression is being highlighted as Donegal College prepares to host its upcoming Open Week from Tuesday 20th October to Thursday 22nd October 2026. Prospective students can meet tutors, explore course offerings, and learn about progression pathways across three scheduled events in Letterkenny:
- Tuesday 20th October: Ballyraine Campus Open Evening, 6pm–9pm (Booking required at donegalcollegeopenweek.eventbrite.ie).
- Wednesday 21st October: College Showcase, Radisson Hotel, 10am–2pm (No booking required).
- Thursday 22nd October: Port Road Campus Open Evening, 6pm–9pm (Booking required at donegalcollegeopenweek.eventbrite.ie).
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do students earn upon completing the course?
Students gain a Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist, a Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, and a Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Techniques.
Who teaches the Beauty Therapist course at Donegal College?
The programme is taught by industry leaders Mary Ferry and Breda Boyd.
Where did Clara Bonner complete her work placement?
Clara completed her work placement at Skin Buff in Ardara.
Could practical vocational training programmes like this one become the preferred route for secondary school graduates entering the modern workforce?
Related reading