hmm.. VTCT Nail Technician or NSI Foundation

[Gilly T]

Hi everyone
I am in a real quandry. I have had a plan for a while now to finish my VTCT Level 2 Manicure/Pedicure then start the VTCT Level 2 Nail Technician course in September. I have been reading some of the threads on here about courses, training and qualifications and now I'm not sure what I want to do.

I would like to have the NVQ but I am concerned about some of the comments posted about varying opinions of tutors of how enhancements should be carried out and also about the amount of time it takes to complete.

My choices are 12 months from this September to complete VTCT then progress from there or go straight for either NSI or Creative Foundation which would be completed in a significantly shorter period.

I really feel like I might be wasting a lot of time going for the VTCT route? What do people think. I am so excited about doing all this and can't wait to get going but I know I need to walk before I can run...

Thanks so much x

 

[8889jenny]

If it helps I am in the same boat! I was thinking that I may go down the college route because on here I have heard that one day it may be a requirement to have the NVQ not sure how correct that is? And then I would like to do a one day conversion course with creative x

 

[Gilly T]

Yes, that's what my original plan was. I do know that if it becomes a requirement to have NVQ then for experienced people there is only assessment needed to gain the qualification though so it is still an option later on. It's the timescale that is bothering me the most I think.

Never been a very patient person...

 

[annemac]

I am doing VTCT at the moment and I am really pleased with what I am learning. My tutor has had her creative training as well, so I think I have been lucky. I have read so of the threads on here about VTCT and got worried but after chating to some of the other geeks, it does depend on what tutor you get.

 

[Gilly T]

Thanks for that. I know what you're saying, I've been reading them too and I think that's what put me in a quandry. It does sound like it's the luck of the draw with regard to which trainer you get. I've read so many good things about the training professionals at places like Creative and NSI and there are many comments about how excellent the quality of training is with them.

Really don't know what to do.. help!!!

 

[RAQUEL]

are you sure VTCT runs from september? cos usually that means starting with manicure.. My students did Mani and pedi, health and safety etc til december then actual enhancements til june ( 4 hours a week) .. if so the course would be a max of 20 weeks .. it would be a real drag over a year.. Ive told them once they get their qual they can look at private conversion courses if they like...

 

[Gilly T]

Rang them today and they said that they won't be starting until September. I also asked about the duration and she said a full year. Think I might ring again tomorrow and see if I speak to a different person. Perhaps I've been mis informed. I think it would be a drag too. It's not that I'm impatient to get out there doing nails for real, I just know how impatient I can be to learn and I will have to wait until September to even start. Hope that doesn't sound stupid.

I will check with them again tomorrow.. Thanks x

 

[RAQUEL]

yeahh ring them cos the actual nail tech course includes mani.. and they do something called " APL" which means approved prior learning which means you dont have to do it again.... also ask whats involved ie acrylic or gel as its really up to the college what medium they use..

 

[Gilly T]

I will.. I would have asked my tutor tonight but she's only been teaching 3 months and is only doing this class at present as she is doing her own Cert Ed and A1, A2 units now.

I know the APL would save time on the qual (I have assessor award) and I've got a Level 2 Chartered Institute of Health Heath and Safety qualification. Can this be APL'd too? I've been told no by my tutor and have had to do the H&S unit in the qualification itself.

 

[RAQUEL]

unless the health and safety unit is awarded by VTCT and less than 3 years old the answer is no- it cant be apl'd.. sadly.. however the health and safety from mani and pedi would be.. my students are C and G for level 2 beauty and VTCT for nail tech and have to do it all twice in same year- they are kicking off as 17 year olds would haha but.. needs must..

 

[annemac]

Why do people um and ah over do the VTCT is it not worth doing. I am a little worried as I have nearly finish doing mine in gels and acrylics. Is it going to affect me getting a job if I am not trained in one of the main people like ezflow,creative etc.

 

[Gilly T]

Thanks Raquel.. it's only 8 months old. shame really but don't mind doing the work anyway.

annemac - I know my VTCT Nail treatments is great and enjoying every minute of it (even the really geeky bits like skin structure, nail disorders lol). I think you've been very lucky. Your tutor sounds great and it sounds like you've been very lucky. Some of the experiences people have had on here sound a little scarey.

I'm going to speak to college again today to discuss it a little more. I did hear last night that the NSI course requires you to do quite a lot of full sets of nails inbetween the two lots of two days and one of the ladies on my course has paid for the NSI foundation and hasn't finished it because she couldn't find enough people to do the sets of nails on! There are pros and cons to each I guess and it's a lot of money so I want to make sure I spend it wisely.

Thanks x

 

[BodyAngels]

Hi,
Just remember that when you do a college course, the tutors are adhering to a course guideline as set by the awarding body (e.g. VTCT) and the tutors are experienced in their field. If you do a course by NSI or Creative for example, you are being trained in their product. I read a post on here the other day where a tech who had trained with a well known brand told her college tutor that she wasn't going to etch the nail plate because her prior training with the well known brand had told her that it wasn't required. Then she went on to slate her tutor at having prehistoric views. What she didn't take into account was that her prior training was product related and not all brands are the same. My brand for example does require etching of the nail.
What I am trying to say is contact the college and ask what is on the curriculum and do the same with your chosen brand. College allows you to learn over a longer period of time and you have more time to trouble shoot and perfect it. You also come away with a recognised qualification. Once you have done this then you can do a conversion course with your chosen brand and learn the procedure/requirements for their product.
Obviously it is up to you which route you choose, but don't just take everything as so. There are a lot of very experienced and knowledgeable people, it's just trying to fish out the good advice from the not so good.
Claire x

 

[annemac]

Well said, I am following my VTCT training up with conversion courses in a couple of brands as I am not sure what to go with yet. But reading the different threads about VTCT I was getting worried, but after reading your reply and the reply from GillyT I feel much better. I am so glad my tutor told me about this site. The advice I have had from different people has been great.

 

[RAQUEL]

Well said, I am following my VTCT training up with conversion courses in a couple of brands as I am not sure what to go with yet. But reading the different threads about VTCT I was getting worried, but after reading your reply and the reply from GillyT I feel much better. I am so glad my tutor told me about this site. The advice I have had from different people has been great.

i personally think this is a great route.. your VTCT then conversions.. i know how in depth the health and safety and all your contraindications are blah blah blah.. and to me that is priceless.. bESIDES.. you could always become a teacher yourself with that qualification and a cert ed.. my manufacturers ones ( although precious) were just not acceptable.. and just to clarify... nail training NEVER ends..

 

[annemac]

I know and I am looking forward to it, I did know that about being a teacher, than would be both dreams in one. Thank you very much, I am so gald I took my VTCT now. This site is brilliant.

 

[RAQUEL]

Anne if ever you need any help with that just pm me.. i really did it the hard way and it took me 6 years of blood sweat and tears ( and a few boring essays on education) but its worth it.. and the kids ( and adults) are GRREEEAAATTT plus with the new government diploma in hair and beauty at 14 the teaching options are endless.. AND.. im still working in my salon.. ( i have no life.. i breathe nails..)

 

[annemac]

Thank you I will seriouly look in to it, I have been luckly with my VTCT as my tutor is great. How long do you have to be in the business to teach. If I could be as good as my VTCT tutor then I would be happy.

 

[RAQUEL]

about 5 years... but i got in after 4... nail tech tutors are far and few between as colleges like to get specialist tutors in that field. not just beauty therapists teaching nails . SOOOOO go for it!!

 

[annemac]

about 5 years... but i got in after 4... nail tech tutors are far and few between as colleges like to get specialist tutors in that field. not just beauty therapists teaching nails . SOOOOO go for it!!

i will.