I'm not sure the method of training necessarily tells how GOOD a therapist is at performing treatments. However it does tell certain other things:
I have taught on NVQ, VRQ, VTCT, HND and Nat Dip courses, and I can tell you that these have a rigorous quality tracking process. They also have standardisation set at a national level. These things are simply not true of a one day course studied at a beauty wholesale shop - this is not a matter of debate, it is simply FACT.
When employing somebody you have an idea of the kind of training they have had through the NVQ system. Of course quality varies between colleges, lecturers etc., but you would have an idea of how long they had studied for, what was covered etc.
Employing somebody whose entire training consisted of short courses I would consider a risk. You have no way of knowing anything about the type of training they have had, I think we all know, just because it is accredited by an insurance company is no guarantee of anything.
The whole thing needs looked at, in my opinion. Greedy trainers willing to pass anybody who has the cash, greedy insurance companies who accredit training without giving a stuff how good it actually is, and the rest of us who pick up the pieces with butchered clients on a daily basis. Not to mention the poor people who are conned out of their money with the promise of being a 'therapist', wax one leg below the knee and away you go, here's your certificate!
These are of course only my opinions, I KNOW there are good trainers out there, providing an excellent service, and giving amazing training. However, the majority of short courses offered are substandard, unfortunately.
I've said it before, and I will say it again, if we do not work together to tighten this area up, raise standards, and try to stamp out this substandard and exploitative training, it will be taken out of our hands.
We will end up with a system of state regulation, as per the USA, and BELIEVE me, anyone with less than a nationally standardised qualification then will not have a look in at getting a license.
Rant over. That was quite a lot for a Tuesday morning!!
J
i think most in agreement that short courses dont make you a therapist, I studied hairdressing and beauty therapy for three years on a full time course including all body treatments and epilation, so would have considered myself fully qualified beauty therapist, however when i was due to take my final exam ( all in one day in those days) i was eight months pregnant and decided on the easier IHBC. so realise although i studied all these subject i am not fully qualifed as a therapist, but my friend who has done the alan howard coursed thinks she is!! just wanted my point proved right 
