BlueBlossom Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 Hello Forummers:) I'm probably not posting this is the correct place but hopefully someone will move it to its correct location. I want to retrain as a hairdresser; it's something I've wanted to do for a long time but I really need some impartial advice. I'm 26 years old so I believe I'm 'past it' as far as getting an apprenticeship goes. I've seen some fast-track courses from various academies such as SAKS, Nicky Oliver, Toni & Guy etc & I've been considering taking one of these courses. They are quite pricey so I'd like a little advice if possible. What I want to know is: 1. Has anyone taken these types of courses & if so what did you think about them? 2. Would I be considered for employment ater taking one of these courses? 3. Are there any ther routes into hairdressing for mature people/adult learners Also any advice (the good, the bad & the ugly) from any hairdressers on the forum would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance:thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinklady Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 My friend retrained at nightschool whilst still holding down her 'day job' as a mature student then got a job when she was fully trained .............. however, shes contemplating jacking it in and going back to her other job as the moneys not that good apparently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cainedkaty Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I'm 26 and went to college part time just over a year ago to do hairdressing. It was one day a week, 10am-4.30pm and had loads of clients in which was good. The prices are about £500 unless you are getting certain qualifying benefits but you can pay by installments. But that was North Notts College in Worksop. During the course you also get a chance to do extra things for a small charge, I did ear piercing for £25 and 3 hours which included the kit and your qualification certificate but you can also do other things like spray tan and nails and tooth gems and stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyala Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I'd get a job in a salon and do part-time training and part-time work.Nothing works as well as 'on the job' training,don't let anyone tell you otherwise.Plenty of salons are short staffed these days and would be sure to accomodate you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waddy Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 (edited) I trained as a hairdresser and barber at castle college.I had a work placement in a salon working 9 till 6pm tues to sat and Monday 9am till about 8pm in college for 2 years . It was a fair few years back now!I know a few people including a past employer who did these fast track courses and they dont work ok if you have had previous training and want extra training.I changed careers as the pay was rubbish and my heart wasn't in it.Good luck Edited June 1, 2009 by waddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cainedkaty Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I'd get a job in a salon and do part-time training and part-time work.Nothing works as well as 'on the job' training,don't let anyone tell you otherwise.Plenty of salons are short staffed these days and would be sure to accomodate you. You do get 'on the job training' at colleges as they have salons and paying customers. There are no tutors standing next to you telling you what to do, it is a real salon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyala Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I also went to college,the salon there does not compare to a real salon in MY opinion.My college education taught me relatively little compared to working in actual salons.also on a recruiting front we tended not to bother with 'college only' applicants,we found people who worked hard and were really interested in their job came from salon's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cainedkaty Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I also went to college,the salon there does not compare to a real salon in MY opinion.My college education taught me relatively little compared to working in actual salons.also on a recruiting front we tended not to bother with 'college only' applicants,we found people who worked hard and were really interested in their job came from salon's. What college did you go to then? We had 3 salons always fully booked and it was exactly like working in a real salon. Having got family with their own salons I found it to be exactly the same. I was taught more in the time i was in college than a friend of mine was taught in a salon, but I suppose when your tutor has done the hair for many shows and won awards you know your gonna get a high standard of teaching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyala Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 (edited) I was at Castle college,How can it be like a real salon if everyone is training,how can you draw from experienced stylists with paying clients if there aren't any.my recollection of my college clients is old people wanting a cheap haircut,not very discerning at all. may be yours was a different experience I don't want a silly debate on this I'm offering MY opinion to blueblossom,she can make her own conclusions. Edited June 1, 2009 by nyala Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviewander Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Yep I did one of these fast track courses you are talking about. Have PM'd you. Good luck to you if you decide to do one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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