Doing NVQ level 2 in Nail Services after I have done CND Foundation?

[kimpearce]

I did my CND Foundation course 2 years ago and have been doing mainly friends and family since to get practice and am now wanting to start doing more clients but would like to do more learning but sadly can't afford any one to one or other courses but have the chance to do NVQ level 2 in Nail Services at our new college 2 evenings a week for 34 weeks for a heavily reduced fee - it costs almost £800 but I can get it for £100 and I wonder if it is worth it or would I just be going over old ground? Any advice appreciated.

 

[geeg]

Not only would you be going over old ground, you would be going backwards as the NVQ teaches only the most basic requirements to do nails.

You should be able to fast track your NVQ 2 with just the evidence of your CND foundation course plus a practical assessment and go straight into level 3. You need to ask about that.

 

[kimpearce]

Aah that is very interesting, thanks Geeg

 

[geeg]

Even better, I woud suggest you start on your CND Master classes which go way beyond level 3 but do not include nail art, on which I feel there is way too much emphasis in the level 3 in any case. JMHO

 

[Katmoz33]

Is the nvq 3 nail services? My local college teaches tanning in the nvq level 3 nail services course which I found a little odd?

 

[kimpearce]

Thanks Geeg will look into that and start saving!

 

[LISA A]

I have my CND masters and also have taught NVQ level 2 courses in local colleges and IMO you really will be going right back to basics/backwards. From the tutors point of view as well, she will probably not know what to do with you, because as you know when you are a complete novice even getting a tip blended can take a fair while, so you will be bored IMO. 34 weeks is a long time and it could even demotivate you.

I speak from experience, i did exactly this and infact found the assessor relying on me to help the rest of the class and she was even asking me for advice. This is what motivated my to complete my assessors award and to be able to give my students a more professional college experience.

Not wanting to put beauty tutors down in any shape or form. But in my experience, most beauty tutors do not specialise in nail technology and when they were honest with me, hated teaching it, as it just wasnt their strength. IMO nail technology is a specialised area and it is unfair to expect a beauty tutor, who has no real industry experience, to be able to teach at an industry level. This is why so many colleges have such a bad reputation in nail services. Its unfair on the tutors and unfair on the students, but colleges in this economic market cannot now afford to call in the specialists.

hope this helps. I agree you will benefit 10 fold from completing the masters.

 

[geeg]

I have my CND masters and also have taught NVQ level 2 courses in local colleges and IMO you really will be going right back to basics/backwards. From the tutors point of view as well, she will probably not know what to do with you, because as you know when you are a complete novice even getting a tip blended can take a fair while, so you will be bored IMO. 34 weeks is a long time and it could even demotivate you.

I speak from experience, i did exactly this and infact found the assessor relying on me to help the rest of the class and she was even asking me for advice. This is what motivated my to complete my assessors award and to be able to give my students a more professional college experience.

Not wanting to put beauty tutors down in any shape or form. But in my experience, most beauty tutors do not specialise in nail technology and when they were honest with me, hated teaching it, as it just wasnt their strength. IMO nail technology is a specialised area and it is unfair to expect a beauty tutor, who has no real industry experience, to be able to teach at an industry level. This is why so many colleges have such a bad reputation in nail services. Its unfair on the tutors and unfair on the students, but colleges in this economic market cannot now afford to call in the specialists.

hope this helps. I agree you will benefit 10 fold from completing the masters.

Sadly colleges have NEVER called in the specialists!!! They have called in anyone at all no matter what their experience (usually not even with teacher qualifications) just to sell their courses . This is why they have such a bad reputation (even though there are some rare exceptions).

 

[chocolatepickle]

Thanks for posting this and to everyone who has contributed. I too was thinking of doing the same thing just to keep my hand in the industry when I go off on maternity.
I don't think I will bother now though and will stick with just following the masters as planned.
Thanks!

 

[kimpearce]

Thanks everyone - especially Geeg - I love this place. You get such sensible answers and often people bring up things you have never thought of!

 

[laurakate]

on my nvq3 at college we will be doing spray tanning as part of the course. I'm really pleased about this as it is a very useful skill to have me thinks.

if i were offered the chance to take such a highly regarded qualification for 100 i would jump at the chance (providing that I had the time to do it). I don't know about CND to be fair but NVQs are so highly regarded in terms of getting employment in a salon. Hmmm, I guess it depends what you want to do with your training/qualifications

 

[geeg]

The NVQ is a minimum qualification and is not even necessary unless you live in London .. I actually KNOW that a CND qualification is more highly regarded because not only does it go beyond the minimum but takes you all the way to a Master qualification. I know which I would rather hire in my salon and it would be CND every time. For one thing CND attracts the serious person who is committed.

 

[RAQUEL]

Sadly colleges have NEVER called in the specialists!!! They have called in anyone at all no matter what their experience (usually not even with teacher qualifications) just to sell their courses . This is why they have such a bad reputation (even though there are some rare exceptions).

i beg to differ with the phrase " never" bring in the specialists- cant put all colleges into the same boat.. i hopei am a "rare exception"this is exactly the reason i rarely come here anymore because of the bad rap college education receives. Sometimes, as the courses are funded its all people can afford and i feel honoured to pass on my experience to students. When i feel they may get fed up of my techniques i call in the uk nailart champion for additional back up and when i see all of our silverware and them setting up successfull buisnesses of their own i am so proud.

Providing the tutor has a good background in nails- you will be given a good education- there is nothing to stop you checking our her credentials before you embark on a course- the training in the actual teaching and how they deliver the course is thorough ! ( this is a problem for me now as when i train privately for my professional development ,despite theskill of the tutor there is many flaws in the delivery which in turn effects the learning process for the student.)

My advice is check ot the level 3 nvq, check out the tutor and if you have never done an nvq before it will be funded if you are under 25.The nail art side of this course is most beneficial from a salon point of view and makes the course very interesting and most of all FUN!!! any questions on college NVQs feel free to pm me.

 

[Lemmonie]

If you were just needing/wanting extra practise than you are currently getting for £100 I would do the course.

I did mine having already completed both a non standards training course and a CND L&P one. I was lucky enough to have an actual Nail Tech teach my couse and she fast tracked me through the bascis then allowed me to practise on clients using their products and also taught me some other skills like sculpting which she wouldnt have ordinarily done in the NVQ2.

It depends on the college and tutor. I was very lucky.
Plus its another certificate on the wall

 

[Lemmonie]

Also to add that my tutor has also had CND trained girls in to demonstrate new products like Minx etc (me included! lol) It all helps to broden the girls (or guys) horizons and show them there is actually more to being a Nail Tech than just Acylic. I will be in soon to show Shellac too.

 

[kimpearce]

Which college was that? I see you are in West Sussex which covers Crawley which is 6 miles from me, the college I am considering at the moment is East Surrey but if you are talking about Crawley I might well consider that

 

[Lemmonie]

No it was East Surrey!

If you check the tutor if it is Mandy get yourself on it right now! She is superb!

 

[kimpearce]

I think it is!! My daughter is doing Level 3 Spa this year after doing Level 2 Beauty last year and I am sure she mentioned Mandy - will ask! They have moved into the new building now and it is superb. Thanks.