In this fast-evolving world of nail and beauty courses, it can be quite a challenge to distinguish the diamonds from the rough! The industry has experienced a remarkable surge in opportunities, leaving aspiring professionals puzzled about where to begin their journey. With these increasing opportunities, it now means the industry is becoming full of amazing nail techs, so getting the right training and grounding is paramount if this is your chosen career path. Being a successful nail technician will depend on the education grounding you have and the effort you put into perfecting your chosen craft, it has never been more crucial for those seeking to master the art of nails to invest in the best education. Course seekers must ensure they get the finest training possible to stand out from the crowd and embark on a path to a flourishing career. A strong and solid foundation is an absolute necessity!
It's an absolute minefield, but I am here to guide you through the maze of possibilities and help you find the course that perfectly suits your needs. Remember, it all begins with making the right choices with your education!
Let's have a look at each element and what you should be considering.
Cost: In an era of soaring living costs, financial concerns have become a primary consideration for students on the hunt for their dream courses. However, as with any aspect of life, it is essential to recognise that quality comes at a price. Undoubtedly, a course priced at £29 cannot match the comprehensive content offered by its £299 counterpart.
As an educator myself, I fully understand the dedication required to create and maintain exceptional courses. From filming and editing to updating and providing ongoing support and assessment, it is an intricate process that demands both time and resources. Not to mention the platforms/websites we keep them on. Courses priced at £29 simply cannot cover these extensive requirements. While they may provide a basic understanding, they pale in comparison to the wealth of knowledge you gain from an Educator who has expertise in abundance.
It's crucial not to let cost alone dictate your decision-making process. Thankfully, there are various ways to manage expenses, including instalment plans and financing options, which many reputable educators offer. Remember, investing in a high-quality education lays the groundwork for your successful future in the industry. Also remember, debt isn't advisable, if not affordable to you, save for the course you have your eye on! Please also bear in mind you will also need to buy products to practice and use if your course does not come with a kit. you may also be able to acquire funding from local charities and grants, please see gov.uk for further information on any grants available in your area.
If you're considering regulated courses rather than accredited ones, keep in mind that NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) can be funded, offering you additional support. Ultimately, the key is to prioritise value over cost, as investing in your education ensures a solid foundation and equips you with the necessary skills to embark on a rewarding and prosperous career path.
Content: We are not just talking, "Here's how to apply and remove a nail"...... no. This is not acceptable. For a good chance of a successful and long career, there must be minimum content to set you on your way (and not just a paragraph or 2). Courses must include everything from anatomy and physiology/health and safety /allergies/science/ Nail diseases and disorders and much much more. if your course hasn't got this you need to be questioning why. Following a framework, national occupational standards in the UK as a minimum.
A course that is rich in content empowers students to master the latest techniques, stay updated with evolving trends, and understand the intricacies of various products and tools. Don't fall for fancy bells and whistles and Instagram aesthetic, look deeper.
Online or in person: This has evolved over the past few years. Many years ago online nail courses were few and far between, as this industry is practical and hands-on, that's what we needed (and still do). However, with the advances in online learning platform software and live streaming facilities, online learning is now becoming more accessible and more widely used. And since covid, has become quite popular and more and more large brands are doing online options.
Online: It's important to understand that not everyone who wishes to train in nails, can attend a face-to-face class, for many reasons. This should not inhibit them from training in their chosen skill. Whilst many frown upon online training, there are many experienced educators out there with the skills and resources to do that competently. Ensure you message your chosen educator and ask for student work, testimonials and importantly look at their work. Look at the standards to which they conduct and adhere. A quick search on social media will bring up posts with your chosen eductor and you can see who is and isn't the eductor for you. Online social media groups, while a great resource, can sometimes be bombarded with so many suggestions it can be all-consuming. Take your own time, look and speak to a few individuals and you will get the feel for if it is the right educator and course for you. If your course requires case studies and provides ongoing support and feedback, then you are on the right track.
In-person: Nothing can ever beat great face-to-face education. When choosing a face-to-face class, check the classroom environment, class sizes, and the number of days/weeks the course is over. What you are required to bring/do for the class? educators will always favour face-to-face, that personal interaction and the ability to show and guide the student whilst in the room is priceless. You need to take into account your travel costs and transport/hotel costs if required.
Educator: This is possibly the most important thing. Anyone can get an educator's qualification, but the sad truth is, that whilst they are qualified, not all educators can teach. To be able to teach someone a skill in person or online is a skill of its very own. Someone may be the best nail technician in the world, their work flawless, but teaching that skill to someone is a different ball game. I have heard horror stories of educators being on their phones disinterested, teaching incorrect information, not being able to answer student questions, withholding vital information, showing no interest in their students, disrespecting students on social media, and no course content in their manuals. These examples are not exhaustive. Your educator should be experienced in their field, have continued personal development, and be available for any questions you may have before, during and after the course has ended. Ongoing support is a huge part of great education. If your educator cannot answer a question, they should know exactly where to go to get you an answer. Again check their socials, and see who has trained and the results from any of their training courses. Speak to them and get a feel for the kind of educator they are. Remember this is your career you are investing in. A good educator will be open, helpful, honest and transparent. They will only have your best interests at heart. They will only want you to be the best you can be.
I hope I have given you food for thought
Mel xx