Course at local college

[brittone05]

Hi everyone - I am new here

I am very interested in nails and nail art in general - I do my own nail art and nail art for friends when they come round along with basic manicures and stuff.

My problem is that I am totally self taught and I know that this is not something that will stand me in good stead for a future in the nail industry - be it mobile, from home or in a salon.

I have enquired at my local college and they have informed me that they offer courses in nail tech - I would first have to complete a 12 week, part time course to gain an VTCT Manicure certificate along with a VTCT Health and Safety certificate.

This only runs for 3 hours on a Saturday and gives a certificate at the end.

Then in February, I would be entitled to enrol on a VTCT Nail extensions course - again only runs on a Satruday and for 18 weeks.

I guess my main queries are....

The VTCT certificates - how "recognised" are they in themselves or would I be better gaining a qualification from a nail extension supply company?

Has anyone done the nail extensions course - the college don't say what systems the course will teach (gel or L&P), doesn't say whether it is a course to teach tips, full scuplts or both and so on.

I don't have to pay for the course through my local college as up until now, I have been a stay at home mum so claim benefits which would entitle me to a tuition remission - is it worth me saving to fund a different course through a different provider?

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can offer x

 

[Lemmonie]

I would go for it.
If you get it funded you may as well take advantage of it even if you decide to a different course as well.

Colleges for the most get bad press here but you might just find a gem of a teacher like i did and get lucky!

 

[Rosie posey]

Hi everyone - I am new here

I am very interested in nails and nail art in general - I do my own nail art and nail art for friends when they come round along with basic manicures and stuff.

My problem is that I am totally self taught and I know that this is not something that will stand me in good stead for a future in the nail industry - be it mobile, from home or in a salon.

I have enquired at my local college and they have informed me that they offer courses in nail tech - I would first have to complete a 12 week, part time course to gain an VTCT Manicure certificate along with a VTCT Health and Safety certificate.

This only runs for 3 hours on a Saturday and gives a certificate at the end.

Then in February, I would be entitled to enrol on a VTCT Nail extensions course - again only runs on a Satruday and for 18 weeks.

I guess my main queries are....

The VTCT certificates - how "recognised" are they in themselves or would I be better gaining a qualification from a nail extension supply company?

Has anyone done the nail extensions course - the college don't say what systems the course will teach (gel or L&P), doesn't say whether it is a course to teach tips, full scuplts or both and so on.

I don't have to pay for the course through my local college as up until now, I have been a stay at home mum so claim benefits which would entitle me to a tuition remission - is it worth me saving to fund a different course through a different provider?

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can offer x

Personally, I would take up the free training in college 1st, you'll have a more in-depth understanding of the A&P (anatomy & Physiology) of the nail plate. You'll also come to learn that your ability of becoming a good nail tech, will boil down to experience- the more you can get, the better. Should you decide after college to work in a nail bar, most places will pay for you to learn whatever system they are using. It's good to get work experience with other trained techs before venturing out on your own as a mobile nail tech... You'll learn tips and with more clients, you'll be able to improve on both your technique and speed (When I 1st started, it could take me up to 2.5 hrs to do a full set! :green: lol)

Good luck with whatever you decide and don't forget there's lots of tutorials on here with lots of people willing to help with advice.

Rosie x

 

[brittone05]

Thanks Lemmonie and Rosie

The only costs for me at the college would be the exam fees, materials cost and the kit required for each course. The maniucre kit is £35 and the extensions one isn't listed on the website so I can only imagine what sort of price they want lol

I do have all of my own stuff already - I have been buying little bits like buffers, files, Kolisnky brushes, lots of nail art stuff and such so will see what they say about providing your own kit.

I would really like to learn scultured nails before I learn tips though - would that be a good way to start

 

[Rosie posey]

Sculptured nails are quite difficult, but if you can conquer do them, everything else will be a doddle! I feel it's also a dying art as more ppl opt for the easier gels... However, I'm not complaining as it's more business for me and people are willing to pay more :-D

Good luck x

 

[couturetan]

Hi everyone - I am new here

I am very interested in nails and nail art in general - I do my own nail art and nail art for friends when they come round along with basic manicures and stuff.

My problem is that I am totally self taught and I know that this is not something that will stand me in good stead for a future in the nail industry - be it mobile, from home or in a salon.

I have enquired at my local college and they have informed me that they offer courses in nail tech - I would first have to complete a 12 week, part time course to gain an VTCT Manicure certificate along with a VTCT Health and Safety certificate.

This only runs for 3 hours on a Saturday and gives a certificate at the end.

Then in February, I would be entitled to enrol on a VTCT Nail extensions course - again only runs on a Satruday and for 18 weeks.

I guess my main queries are....

The VTCT certificates - how "recognised" are they in themselves or would I be better gaining a qualification from a nail extension supply company?

Has anyone done the nail extensions course - the college don't say what systems the course will teach (gel or L&P), doesn't say whether it is a course to teach tips, full scuplts or both and so on.

I don't have to pay for the course through my local college as up until now, I have been a stay at home mum so claim benefits which would entitle me to a tuition remission - is it worth me saving to fund a different course through a different provider?

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can offer x

Colleges can be more miss than hit (sorry to the good college lecturers)
I would say get whatever you can for free, but invest in a good private course which will give you a highly thought of industry recognised certificate.

Entity, Creative, and EZFlow are the ones I have trained with.
Google search and you will find your closest educator, or you can private message me if you get stuck.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. How you started is EXACTLY how I did 10 years ago. I've never looked back since! mwha xx

 

[brittone05]

Thanks so much I initially joined a couple of US based forums to gain advice ( not about starting in college but about the trade in general) and a couple of the women there were hideous to me One lady was lovely though and she is an amazing nail artist so she has given me loads of tutorials and stuff to read

Who can I contact about training privately in scluptured nails? Is this a not so standard practice now that gel nails are so easy and quick?

I shall certainly look into private tuition The maniucre course starts i September then the extensions course in February so I have a bit of time to save

Thanks again xxxx

 

[Lemmonie]

PS When i started college i didnt buy any of the kits as i had my own already. It was not a problem.

 

[zcook]

I did exactly what you are talking about doing at college, and it was great.

Do the course, get the background knowlege then choose a brand you enjoy working with and use their products. I use Young Nails products, its great to work with, the training fees are very reasonable and my business is booming as my clients are really happy with the results and lack of lifting, cracking etc (I use gel) I used to do fibreglass too but no one asks for them.

Go for it, you wont regret it :green:

 

[mum]

Go for it!!

You are obviously doing your research. Get what you can for free (funded) then try to pay for some good conversion courses (think of them as post graduate)

Don't listen to the 'gel is easier' comments!! All artificial nails have their own skill. Learn about the natural nail first.

Look at the profile of those offering advice! (not a comment on any post on this thread. Just general advice)

Good luck