Qualifications – Are you confused about the right route to take?

There are many different ways to train to become a hairdresser, nail technician or beautician, so how do you choose the right training for you?

You may opt to gain your qualification through an awarding organisation such as NVQ, VTCT or others that have been regulated by Ofqual or RQF. Taking a course through a regulated or awarding organisation means that the qualification you gain has an official level as they have been verified within the national qualifications framework and will be nationally and internationally recognised, like a GCSE or an A Level qualification would be.

However, not everyone has the time or means to attend college full time and may wish to complete training via a private training academy instead.  This is where it becomes a little more of a minefield.

There are many great training schools who operate on a private basis.  They are often run by people who actively work in the beauty industry so they understand the treatments, and their training can be much more hands on, which some find preferable to learning from a textbook in college.  Unfortunately, the private sector is not as closely regulated as OFQUAL accredited courses and there are some unscrupulous “training schools” that set up, charge hundreds of pounds for training but the qualification is not recognised as being valid or insurable because it has not been reviewed and approved by any awarding body or insurance company. Without a full review of the course and training standards, it may not be teaching you all you need to know in order to practice safely, hygienically or confidently.

You must make sure the qualification enables you to take out insurance in order to perform the treatment on your clients. There would be nothing worse than paying for a training course only to be told the qualification isn’t acceptable to an insurance company and you cannot insure yourself to offer the new treatments. 

This is where accreditation comes in.   A number of Insurers and Insurance Brokers offer an accreditation service where training schools must apply for their courses to be scrutinised, approved and deemed of a suitable level for insurance purposes.  

At Professional Beauty Direct we offer a course accreditation service. Having training from a course that is accredited by Professional Beauty Direct shows that the trainer and the course, has been approved by us and on completion of your training you can have insurance with us subject to other standard terms and conditions being satisfied. Professional Beauty Direct is a well-known name in the industry, it is a company that can be trusted for professionalism and for having high standards in the industry. 

Professional Beauty Direct offer ongoing support and guidance throughout your career together with your insurance needs. 
 

30/09/2022