Looking for advice from the pro's!

[Minimummy]

Hi guys, looking for some advice from you old timers! Lol!
I'm currently doing a city and guilds level 2 and I'm hoping you guys can clear some stuff up for me! I'm not too confident with the tutor we've got at the moment. I don't really have much option because it's the only nationally recognised qualification in my area. I'm gonna do CND afterwards but initially I want something that's universally recognised and this seems to be the way forward for me.

So, on to the first question!
When I called EZflow to ask about their training, they said that fibreglass wasn't very popular anymore and hardly ever used. My trainer informed me today that it's used just as much (if not more) than acrylic. Is this true? Would it be worth doing a fibreglass course after this?

Second question...
What is the difference (if there is one) between silk and fibreglass?

Third question...
What is a rebalance? I saw this term on the CND website but my tutor replied with "It's not a term we use in the nail industry" so I'm a little confused by that...

Fourth question...
I don't really feel confident about my course because the tutor has pretty much indicated that when it comes to the exam, she'll give us the answers to make sure we pass. I know-sounds great right? But I'd like to think that I'm gonna pass on my own merit, not because someone helped me cheat! Is there anything I can do about it?

Fifth question...
Do any of you geeks use gloves when working? Only I have quite irritable skin and would prefer to if possible but my tutor said it's not allowed.

Last question...
I was alarmed to find out that my tutor's approach to insurance was simply to "wing it" and not tell clients if you're only partially covered. She said that as long as you have the C&G qualification it doesn't matter if you get into trouble when waxing, for instance (even though I'll only be qualified in nails). Surely this can't be right???
Thanks geeks!

 

[brittone05]

Your tutor sounds like a nightmare hun I can't answer the questions you ask because I am training myself so will leave the true pro's to reply but hope you get some sense from someone at college - you are obviously passionate about passing on your own back, good luck xxxx

 

[geeg]

So, on to the first question!
When I called EZflow to ask about their training, they said that fibreglass wasn't very popular anymore and hardly ever used.

My trainer informed me today that it's used just as much (if not more) than acrylic. Is this true? Would it be worth doing a fibreglass course after this?

Your 'trainer' is absolutely incorrect. It is used in certain pockets of the country (Shefield being one of them) but is in fact the least used system in the world. HOWEVER .. it is still IMO important to know how to use it as for some jobs it is invaluable.

Second question...
What is the difference (if there is one) between silk and fibreglass?
Silk is a natural fibre and FG is a synthetic fibre. The first (silk ) is not as flexible or a as strong a FG but the difference is marginal. It is easier to saturate silk but the look is semi opaque whereas with FG it is completely clear if done right.

Third question...
What is a rebalance? I saw this term on the CND website but my tutor replied with "It's not a term we use in the nail industry" so I'm a little confused by that...
Is your tutor for real??? Has she been living under a stone for the last 20 years?? lol
The term Rebalance (RB) was first used by Creative Nail Design to distinguish between the proper re-structuring the nail at the maintenance appointment as opposed to just filling in a small area of re-growth.

Fourth question...
I don't really feel confident about my course because the tutor has pretty much indicated that when it comes to the exam, she'll give us the answers to make sure we pass. I know-sounds great right? But I'd like to think that I'm gonna pass on my own merit, not because someone helped me cheat! Is there anything I can do about it?
Go with the flow ... or report her to the college

Fifth question...
Do any of you geeks use gloves when working? Only I have quite irritable skin and would prefer to if possible but my tutor said it's not allowed.

Well of course it IS allowed and the only practical thing to do if you are sensitive to nail products.

Last question...
I was alarmed to find out that my tutor's approach to insurance was simply to "wing it" and not tell clients if you're only partially covered. She said that as long as you have the C&G qualification it doesn't matter if you get into trouble when waxing, for instance (even though I'll only be qualified in nails). Surely this can't be right???

Well as you have correctly surmised . It is not right.


How sad that you can have no faith at all in this person's knowledge or abilities. I would report her to the college. Not one thing she has told you is FACT ... but rather just her own very un- informed opinion.

 

[mum]

Amazing and shocking!!!

Please refer your tutor to ME!!! As the Chairperson of the Habia Nails Services Forum and the author of The Complete Nail Technician I will be able to answer all her questions and point her in the RIGHT direction!!!!

[email protected]

 

[Minimummy]

Thanks Geeg, I was worried my initial thoughts were correct. Those were just the ones that stuck out like sore thumbs-I dread to think just how much of what she's taught us already is utter rubbish!
Amongst other things she told me not to bother training in UV gels because they're "crap" (her words) and no one uses them, also-she recommended that I purchase my products from chinese sellers on ebay to keep costs down.


Oh and when I asked her if we would be taught how to "extend the nail bed", explaining that it seemed to be a major factor to the overall appearance of the completed set, she replied with-"How can I encourage nail growth? That's down to the client" *Smacks head against wall repeatedly*

 

[geeg]

Amazing and shocking!!!

Please refer your tutor to ME!!! As the Chairperson of the Habia Nails Services Forum and the author of The Complete Nail Technician I will be able to answer all her questions and point her in the RIGHT direction!!!!

[email protected]

That'll have her quaking in her boots ... when you're through with her will you let me have a go please???

 

[LolaBevahousen]

:o I'm shocked at your tutor, I'm sorry that you've had to run into let along be taught by such an ignorant person. Do as mum said and lets hope that she re-educates or gives up because in her current state she has no place in the nail world.
But at least you sound like you are going to be a great nail tech, good luck with your future! and hope to see you geeking out often

 

[busybee32]

Originally Posted by mum
Amazing and shocking!!!

Please refer your tutor to ME!!! As the Chairperson of the Habia Nails Services Forum and the author of The Complete Nail Technician I will be able to answer all her questions and point her in the RIGHT direction!!!!

[email protected]

That'll have her quaking in her boots ... when you're through with her will you let me have a go please???

Lol Now now girls.
You go get her, she wont stand a chance.

I think I would go and report her to the college hun, I cannot believe some of the utter rubbish that has come out of your tutors mouth? People like that shouldnt be allowed to teach animals let alone up and coming nail professionals what a joke?
No wonder so many people are coming into the industry feeling disillusioned if that is how they are being taught what an a@se! I am gobsmacked truely I am
Jen

 

[Minimummy]

I'm absolutely gutted. I went into college as usual today to find out that not only is my course not city and guilds-it's not even accredited! They point blank LIED to me to get the funding for my attendance.

I don't know how they've managed to do it but they have!
What makes it even more dodgy is that the people who took the course before us told me that their "certificate" says "so and so is awaiting city and guilds certification" yet they've been told they'll never receive the certificate!!!

How unbelievably cunning can they get???

Well it's back to the drawing board, now to try and finds funding for a course elsewhere. As a mature student that's gonna be an uphill struggle thanks to the new legislation

 

[mum]

Surprise surprise! Did you get government funding?

What is the name of the college?

 

[Minimummy]

Well I was enrolled onto the course via my local Job mates office. (They offer help back into employment or training etc).
I was informed that it was a city and guilds level 2 and that I'd be able to work in a salon or get insurance after taking the course. I don't know how they've managed to get funding for students but they have. Well I've stuck it up their backsides because they don't receive funding unless I complete the course-and I've left :twisted:

It's a company called T-Centrix. I trusted them because they were running an NVQ up until a few months back and they were using Odyssey products. Now they're doing this they're using crap bought from Ebay so they truly have gone downhill. There are threads on here about T-Centrix actually, they were the recommended NVQ provider in our area for ages-just goes to show you've got to be on your toes! I feel more let down by Job mates, I can't believe they set me up for such a fall.

When I asked her if the course was even accredited she said no, but don't worry you'll still get insurance. That confused me, I always thought accreditation and insurance sort of went hand in hand really. Yeah sure, you might get it-but will they pay out if you need them to? Doubtful.

 

[mum]

Sounds like C&G have got rid of them. I hope you will tell Job mates of the situation.

They were advertising a while ago about free NVQ training. Just another bunch that are trying to cash in on government funding paid for by our taxes.

Sounds like the system is catching them up! It would be very helpful if you told everyone you can think of. I will do the same

 

[Minimummy]

Oh definitely, I'll be informing Job mates and asking them if they have any advice on an appropriate course of action. They can't continue misleading people, there were people on the next course up that they'd paid for (sculpting) that didn't realise their qualifications were useless. As I left they were planning on causing uproar

 

[dellaznailz]

I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have been keeping this to myself for a long time but know it looks as though I will get it out in the open.

Sorry if this sounds like a blog but I do think it is relevant to this thread. It is not hearsay.

In July 2008 I had to make a decision about my career as a nail tutor at college. I love teaching and wanted to carry on but due to circumstance beyond my control the college were restructuring their staff and as a back up I, like many others, saw the advert for educators wanted to teach government funded NVQ's via T-Centrix and applied.

I went for a interview and trade test (at my own expense Cornwall to Doncaster) and was told we would be teaching a generic NVQ i.e. techs already trained with recognised companies like CND, EzFlow etc but without NVQ could use those products for the qualification but beginners would be required to purchase Odyssey products. This sounded fine to me so when offered the job I accepted.

Anyway to try and cut the long story short I spent approx £3000 of my own money on converting my salon into a training room, advertising, products and numerous travelling to Doncaster for 'training'.

Despite numerous phone calls and contact with fellow 'educators' we have been left totally in the lurch, out of pocket and completely disgusted with the unprofessional attitude of the company.

The only comfort I have gained from this is the lesson that if something seems to good to be true, it probably is.

 

[Jemima]

It sounds like you've had a really awful experience!

I've just trained with Training Solutions via Capital Hair & Beauty. The course is accredited accredited by Professional Beauty, Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists and approved by Habia course and can be used towards an NVQ. You can also obtain public liability insurance with it.
The trainer was fantastic, she was really helpful, not only a great teacher but also shared a lot of personal experiences and general hints and tips with us. We used Salon Systems products, which seem to be fine. The course I did was the full nail technician and is 5days intense training it cost about £400 inc VAT, the kit is additional, just be aware that there are extras you will need that aren't in the kits.
I know you are really looking for a funded course, but I thought I'd share this one with you as it seems to have been a good course, I'm not sure if you could look into getting funding for it?

Hope you find something soon!

 

[ellewopter]

As Della will confirm, i'm in the same boat with T-Centrix and am also out of pocket, love the product but company is worse than useless (sorry if im not allowed to say that) you can do your NVQ you just need to find the right company xxxx