THE answer to the most FAQ - "which training should I choose?"

Sassy Hassy

Well probably the most frequently asked post is "where should i do my training?". Most people on the site when asked this question politely advise the quizzer to do a search. But have you done one? Most threads actually give very little advice, apart from "do a search", but I've researched it and hopefully come up with a fairly definitive answer. So welcome to ...

The Sassy Guide to Choosing your Training Provider

With the explosion of the popularity for all things nails, it seems Uncle Tom Cobbley and all is jumping on the band wagon to becoming a nail technician. This has given rise to all sorts of training courses popping up quicker than you can say Kolinsky Sable.

So with such a wealth of choice how do you decide who to give your hard earned moolahs to? Just who do you train with? The choice you make now could affect the whole of your nailing career. In fact a bad choice could cost you dear, not only in monetary terms, but also a lack of confidence that ultimately makes you hang up your brush for good.

Of course recommendation is the safest bet, but we all learn differently and what may have suited your best friend may not suit you. So let’s see the type of training that’s out there.

Further Education
This is normally part time at your local college, maybe one evening a week over a number of weeks. This is great if you take longer to absorb information and need to have your hand held to help you through the early days. You normally achieve a Nationally recognised qualification such as an NVQ, which will be recognised by insurance companies and potential employers.
The downside of this type of education is that class sizes tend to be large and so you do not always get the individual attention that you may have expected. You must also be committed to dragging yourself off the sofa, flogging back week after week for anything up to an academic year.

Home Learn
A good place to start if family commitments don’t allow you the freedom to attend regular classes. You normally get a training video/dvd, full kit, assessment and certification. However you do not get the immediate interaction of a tutor and sometimes it’s best to have an experienced eye looking over your shoulder and guiding you.

Private Colleges / Courses
The courses tend to be short, over a course of a few days, and the level of learning can be very intense. Some places try to cram l&p, gel, wraps, manicures and pedicures into as little as 3 days. I would steer clear of these "mega" courses as it’s just too much to take on board in such a short space of time. Class sizes vary and can be as big as an FE class, but you could pay twice as much for the course for the same level of attention from your tutor. But they are very intense with a lot of pre reading, home study and practice and self motivation required.

Courses led by Manufacturers / Distributors
Similar in structure to Private colleges. You are using their products and so your reputation is their reputation, so they make sure their training is pucker! They are usually short courses, ranging from 3-5 days for full foundation course to half and one days courses for skill building classes. The tutors are usually bang up to date with their knowledge and skills as all they do is teach nails. Classes are normally small. Training is very intense and may not suit someone who prefers to take things at a leisurely pace.
If this is the type of course for you then your next question will be which product manufacturer do you recommend? If you ask a nail tech then of course they'll say the brand they use is the best!! They're hardly likely to admit they're using an inferior product are they? So do your own research. Your best bet is to phone up each manufacturer and ask for their brochure. Then go to one of the trade shows around the country and ask for a demo of each brand you are interested in. Get a feel for the Company’s ethics, do you like the way they treat you? In short, do they deserve to get your hard earned money?

Whichever training you go for ask the following questions

What qualifications does your tutor have? When did they last update THEIR training? At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how gifted you are, if you get poor tutorage, then you will produce poor work.
How big are the class sizes? The smaller the class the more individaul attention you will get, and so makes it better value for money
Do they have a customer service line that you can phone during working hours if you develop problems? You need to have an "on call advisor" to help you, it can be mighty lonely and scarey out there on your own in the early days.
Do they offer skill building / advanced classes to allow you to hone your skills? So you've grasped the basics, but you want to get better and better. Find a provider who can help you ALL the way through your career, it'll save you money in the long run.
Do they train with a good professional brand that offers up to date technology? Why drive a clapped out old mini when you can have the latest Ferrari? - sure you'll reach your destination, but boy oh boy having a good product sure makes life easier.
What do you get for your money?. Does it include the kit etc? Sometimes a cheap course becomes expensive because you have to pay for so many unexpected add ons.
If it seems too cheap to be true then it probably is. Good training often costs the most (although it‘s no guarantee).
Will the course be recognised by your insurance company? In this age of litigation, insurance cover as a tech is vital.
Will the course be recognised by potential employers? Look at what your local salons use, this'll give you some idea to the standards they require.
What does the course cover? Anatomy, contraindications, health and safety, prep, application, infills and removal should be covered as a minimum

Finally remember that learning should be a life long commitment. What you are taught in the early days gives you the basics, the foundations on which to build. If you are committed to being good at your art then investing in an ongoing training plan is vital. DO NOT expect to finish any course and produce a cracking full set at a salon speed. That old adage practice makes perfect is never experienced more than by the novice nail tech. It may take a year - or more - before you feel fully competent.

HTH