Mature student - which course to choose?

[Caro]

:Scared:
Help!!

I'm looking to start a Beauty Therapist training course. I have narrowed it down to 3 .

1. Saks Academy - NVQ Level , 25 weeks, cost £3000
2. Vibe Academy - Combined Level 2 & 3 fast track £2400
3. Yorkshire College of Beauty - ITEC Beauty Specialist, 1 year course £995

Location wise I'm in Leeds, so either Vibe or YCOB would be doable, travelled to Saks yesterday and they've offered me a place and I'm sort of happy with what they're offering for the money(training, uniform, kit and products for case studies ) just don't know how practical it's going to be travelling 150 miles there and back once a week for 25 weeks... and £3000 is a lot of money only to have pay same to do Level 3 after completing Level 2. Also like the fact they're in industry already?

Vibe sounds like an ideal course but never heard of them and a bit sceptical as why one company charging £6000 for Level 2 and 3 and Vibe charging half that?

Yorkshire College of Beauty - obviously cheaper, but had to chase them for info and receptionist quite offhand, I know she won't be training me but first impressions and all that!

What is the difference between ITEC and NVQ 2? In the long term I'm looking to do some work in industry on part time basis before going mobile and eventually opening my own salon.

Sorry it's so long and welcome all your advice!

Cx

 

[Cookies]

Hi There, I am also in the same boat, wondering if you have come up with a solution to your course dilemma?

I was enrolled on a course at Saks and they cancelled it 4 days before the course was due to start depsite me quitting my full time job and moving to fit the course in. They have put me down for a course in december or january, thats IF they run!! But in the meantime i have contacted Vibe training in bradford and they seem like a good option too.

Anyone else have any advice? I am always sceptical of these sorts of training academies but if it is a nationally recognised qualification and accredited by insurers then surely it can't be dodgy?

 

[RichS]

Hi guys

I did the combined NVQ level 2 & 3 with Vibe and would say it entirely depends on your situation on the best route.

For me, the ability to go on the individual courses, complete the portfolio work and then go back in to do the practical exams was the best as it offers the most flexible option.

The only thing I would say for this route is there is a lot of home study and home teaching on the various units as the training courses are quite short and will never cover enough detail in the given time.

Hope this helps!

Rich

 

[Aphrodites]

Can you not enrol at a local college that does beauty therapy? I've looked into this on a part time basis (as i have small children) and i will gain VTCT NVQ 2 in 34 weeks. And its costing just under £1000 all in for the course, kits, uniform, exam fees.... HTH