I did my training with the Training Room in Manchester. I have mixed feelings. Each group has their own tutor, so I can only comment on my personal experience. I'll try and be as honest as possible.
Firstly, I did level 2 and 3 by attending class every third weekend over a 9 month period. I was unable to do the 6 week option as I also worked full time whilst training. It is totally doable if you have the right attitude and
dedication. This isn't like school, college or university though. I went to all 3 and I was very disappointed with lack of communication, organisation and teaching methods used during my course. Luckily I'm a pro-active person but it made learning very difficult.
Positives:
- I qualified with a high grade (although major side note: this is because I did a lot of work outside of class!)
- For those who fail any part of the qualification there are free re-sits (so you're basically guaranteed to pass)
- I got a spa job straight away with no hesitation
- In 9 months I went from an office job that I hated to working in a top Spa. Likewise, some of the girls that did the qualification in 6 weeks, now have successful beauty jobs.
- I now work for myself and I'm doing very well
- For those who can't afford to pay for the course upfront, they do provide a finance option.
- You receive an online account which has videos of most of the practical treatments, all theory and quizzes - I used this a lot!!
Negatives:
- Although you are provided with a kit on the first day, in order to practice at home you need to buy a lot more products and equipment.
- Training days are short, for example manicures: you spend an hour going through manicure theory, a couple of hours being shown how to do a full manicure (including all luxury extras!). Then you have lunch break, then you have some time practising on one another. The end. That's Manicures complete. What I'm trying to say if that you are literally shown the basics, and you are often only shown once, so in order to actually pass and be good at what you do, you need to take lots of notes and practice practice practice.
- I lacked major confidence during the course as I just didn't feel that I was shown enough or monitored enough. I never felt that I received appropriate feedback, and like I said, time in class was short.
- My group were not shown basics such as using hot towels in facials, how to drape towels etc etc. I did actually make a complaint whilst I was on the course although this wasn't taken seriously.
- In my experience my group were left to our own devices with paperwork, folders and written assessments - we often had no idea what we were doing and communication was pretty abysmal - so in level 2 we were all completing paperwork right before our practical assessments, everyone flapping and panicking - it was terrible!
- Tutors didn't always seem to know that we were supposed to be doing and when. As we missed out some very important areas of work, my class had to attend extra days - which for someone working full time was very difficult. So if you're doing the 6 weeks course and your tutor isn't on their A-Game, god knows how you would catch up??!!
- My class started with 13 people and finished with 4. Most ladies dropped out as they were unaware of the amount of work - it isn't an easy course. There is a lot to learn in a short amount of time, and as I said, you do most of this in your own time.
- Some people may see this point as a positive but I was shocked at how difficult it was to fail. There were people in my group who passed and I have no idea how!! ......it's shocking that they may now be working in the industry.
- Lastly, I think it can be a struggle to get people to take you seriously when you qualify in such a short amount of time. Although I did the exact same course as the girls that did it in 6 weeks, I did feel better about mine being over a 9 month period. I've had to work my socks off to prove myself and although thats made me the best that I can be, I'm sure there are people (and other professionals in the business) that would still be put off by my limited trainings. So I went on to do extra courses and CPD sessions.
Obviously I'm glad I did the course as it's gotten me where I am today and I'm very happy, but the course certainly isn't for everyone. It was hard work, draining, disappointing. 90% of the work is done in your own time outside of class so you have to be really motivated. Hope that helps. x
