College diploma level 2/3 or individual courses?

[EJLovex]

I'm looking to change careers and become a beauty therapist. I currently work as a dental nurse and have always been interested in the beauty industry but have always been pushed away from it, others telling me its not a career I should pursue. Well now its time to do what I want to do!

What is the best way to pursue a successful career as a beauty therapist? Would it be best to go to college and study a level 2 and then a level 3 diploma in beauty therapy or attend individual courses for nails/makeup/eyelashes etc?

PLEASE HELP! XXX

 

[Emmasbeautyroom]

Hello, not got any advice, but just wanted say I am a fellow dental nurse looking into beauty therapy too. I have just booked on to a spray tanning course and a lash lift and tint course. I work full time and have 2 small children so I think I would struggle with college a couple of days a week... I'm so excited to start these courses though xx

 

[vanilla]

I think it's best to do the full NVQ level 2 and 3.. my level 3 was fast track one day a week for four months. If you want to work for yourself short courses are fine but you won't get employed with them. x

 

[beautyxperts]

I would recommend a full NVQ or equivalent NOT fast track courses. Ideally CIDESCO as this enables you to work anywhere in the world and earn a higher wage as its the highest qualification in the industry (although more expensive to do!).
But employers require a minimum of a NVQ level 3.
Don't listen to those who say there is no career in it - there is! There are many options within the health & beauty industry from salon work, spa, cruise liners, working in other countries, choosing to specialise in certain areas such as hair removal, aesthetics, skin etc. I would say that the nail industry is saturated with techs - good & bad.
Go out and be the best therapist that alone will make you stand out from the crowd!
Good luck in what you do!

 

[AcidPerm]

Regarding fast track courses.

You can learn to drive in a matter of days or have one lesson a week over several months.
Both are perfectly acceptable ways for teaching you the essentials to enable you to pass your test.
However, you then need to complete many hours of driving to gain the valuable experience that turns you from a novice driver into a competent and safe driver.

You will need to complete a recognised qualification in Beauty Therapy in order to gain employment as few salons will employ staff with only one day/short course diplomas.
Keep in mind your longer term goals and start planning how to get there.

 

[EJLovex]

Thank you everyone for your replies. You have all been very helpful and have given me a lot to think about x

 

[BeautyRooms]

I would not employ anyone who had opted for the one day course option, to sum up when I trained we spent one term on facials alone , this was at level 2, you simply can't gain enough knowledge in short courses, invest in yourself and you will reap the benefits.
Wishing you the very best of luck.