Hi I am looking for some advise as googling is just confusing me. I am a midwife and have been for 10+ years and I'm looking to step away from that and re-train in beauty and nails. I am 35 years and so feel quite intimidated going to college with young things. What's the best route and what qualification are best to get, is one school of qualification better than another i.e. Nvq. Also is doing something part time an option. Thanks in advance x
Starting out
- Thread starter MillyStar
- Start date
Help Support SalonGeek:
Hey, if you go with a private academy instead of college you will find it's more mature. I'm the same age as you. I did my level 2 when I was 20, and just completed my level 3 few months ago. It was a fast track course one day a week.
Are you wanting to work for yourself? Or be employed? The pay isn't great when first starting out, you might want to stay in the industry your in and do beauty on the side.
It's best to do NVQ level 2 and 3 rather than short courses. And part time is an option. Do a google search to find a course in your area xx
Are you wanting to work for yourself? Or be employed? The pay isn't great when first starting out, you might want to stay in the industry your in and do beauty on the side.
It's best to do NVQ level 2 and 3 rather than short courses. And part time is an option. Do a google search to find a course in your area xx
Beautiful-you
Well-Known Member
I'm older than you and just finishing my level 3 vtct Beauty Therapy at college 20 years after doing level 2! Don't be put off by your age! I've absolutely loved the whole experience. My group consisted of 18 year olds to mid-twenties to a couple of us in our 40's! I've learnt so much and made lots of new friends in the process. It's really boosted my confidence. The course was classed as full time but we actually only spent 2 days in college, because you are expected to do quite a lot of A&P study and workbooks at home - which should be a doddle for you with your nursing background! I don't know if this would apply to you, but if you earn under £21,000 you should be able to take advantage of the 19+ Advance Learner Loan, which means you only have to pay for certain courses when you start to earn over £21,000. (I do t think this is available for level 2, but it was for level 3). X
Bobbie1989
Active Member
Have a look at your local college, some of them do an evening course for 18+ learners
Louise Richardson
Active Member
I agree with the private college route. I am just about turn 40 and changed my career from publishing after 20 years. It is about your attitude not your age. Believe me the young I e can teach you a thing or too. They were all really quite mature and never once thought about the age gap. Best thing I ever did.
I went down the ITEC route as it is well known. I did Level 2 Beauty Specialist which is really the minimum you need as an all rounder. I them did Level 3 Facial Electricals. I would advise to look for somewhere that has a busy college salon. The experience is invaluable. I have just been on an extension course where girls said they only did a couple of waxes in college. I had around 80 treatments in my portfolio by the end. Look for a college with a good name in the industry. I trained in a different part of the UK so can't advise for for your area.
I went down the ITEC route as it is well known. I did Level 2 Beauty Specialist which is really the minimum you need as an all rounder. I them did Level 3 Facial Electricals. I would advise to look for somewhere that has a busy college salon. The experience is invaluable. I have just been on an extension course where girls said they only did a couple of waxes in college. I had around 80 treatments in my portfolio by the end. Look for a college with a good name in the industry. I trained in a different part of the UK so can't advise for for your area.
LouiseGill
New Member
I've just started a Level 2 Beauty Therapy Course and I will move onto Level 3 Nail Technician afterwards. I'm doing it with the White Rose Beauty college and so far its great!
I got the advance learning loan as I earn under 21k and then there were just the kits and uniform I had to pay for.
They are great as well as you can then move onto level 3 beauty and they also offer complimentary courses such as spray tanning and massages that you qualified at the end of the day to go and do.
My plan is to do this along side my job and eventually with some more qualifications to do it a bit in my home and also mobile. My group is a mature group which is great and we are all 24yrs upwards and a lovely bunch.
I'd definitely recommend doing it
I got the advance learning loan as I earn under 21k and then there were just the kits and uniform I had to pay for.
They are great as well as you can then move onto level 3 beauty and they also offer complimentary courses such as spray tanning and massages that you qualified at the end of the day to go and do.
My plan is to do this along side my job and eventually with some more qualifications to do it a bit in my home and also mobile. My group is a mature group which is great and we are all 24yrs upwards and a lovely bunch.
I'd definitely recommend doing it
