FORD’S Thoughts

Global business & beauty education expert, KIM FORD, shares news, views & observations from the international nail circuit

ABOUT KIM FORD

Kim Ford has worked in the beauty and education sectors for over three decades, in more than 40 countries. She has honed her skills in beauty, spa, sports, nails, holistic therapy and aesthetics, in private and public education establishments, spas, salons and retail businesses.

Kim has extensive experience as an international examination officer for awarding organisations, and has held the titles of chairman of BABTAC and CIBTAC and vice president of CIDESCO GB. An education consultant for CIDESCO International, she sits on a number of industry boards globally as a director or trustee, and has won awards for education and business in the UK and internationally.

As owner of Beauty Enterprise Solutions, Consultancy & Training, Kim supports industry education establishments in gaining accreditation or endorsement. She strives to raise industry standards and help beauty professionals reach their education and career goals.

Undertaking a CIDESCO exam at Steiners, London.

Connect with Kim:

/kim.ford.3114

@kimfordexpert /kimcaford

Hello nail superstars! It’s been a busy few months, with trade exhibitions and various nail competitions taking place, and I’ve loved meeting so many of you at these industry events. Well done to those of you who have had the courage to apply for competitions and awards. They are great for your continued learning and professional development, which I explored in my column last month. This issue, I want to share factors to consider when choosing an educator or training provider to further your knowledge and career growth.

Reputable educators

When searching for an educator, you need to consider their qualifications and experience in the field. A reputable educator should possess qualifications that demonstrate their expertise in the subject matter they teach, and you should not be afraid to ask to see evidence of these. They should ideally be Ofqual qualifications, and in addition to these accolades, you need to ask: how long they have been teaching the subject matter and when they gained their certificate, whether they hold a teaching/assessor certificate and how many years’ experience they have in the subject area. In my opinion, two to five years in all areas is sufficient.

A reputable educator should have effective and clear communication skills. These are crucial in ensuring that students understand what they are being taught. A genuine enthusiasm and passion for teaching is also imperative, to help students learn and succeed in their future careers.

Educators should be committed to prioritising their growth and development; continuing their learning and professional development journeys and staying up-to-date with the latest teaching methods, technologies and research in their field.

Red flags can manifest in various ways. Empathy plays a crucial role in building positive teacher-student relationships, and educators who fail to connect with their students on an emotional level may struggle to create a learning environment in which students feel valued and supported on their education journeys.

A good educator should also be well-organised when it comes to lesson plans and classroom management. Those who struggle to maintain a structured learning environment may not effectively meet the needs of their students. Constant negative feedback from students or colleagues regarding teaching methods or communication skills can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Reputable training providers

When searching for a training provider, it is essential to consider the course accreditation, endorsements and certifications. Look for providers that are highly respected in the industry and accredited or endorsed by recognised bodies and insurance companies. Also note the training provider’s track record and reputation. Read reviews and testimonials from past students to determine the effectiveness of the training courses and satisfaction of students.

It is important to check the relevance of the training courses offered by the provider, and consider whether the course content aligns with your learning objectives and can be applied directly to your field of work and career goals. Choosing a training provider with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality training and producing successful outcomes is more likely to provide a relevant and engaging course with valuable content, which will ensure that you make the most of your learning experience.

Be cautious of training providers that lack updated course materials and resources, as these may not align with industry National Occupational Standards, criteria or current industry trends. A high turnover rate of tutors can represent instability or poor quality training. Unclear pricing structures can indicate a lack of professionalism or hidden fees, and be mindful of providers that promise guaranteed results or quick-fix solutions, as quality training takes time and effort to provide valuable skills and knowledge.

‘Keep learning’ is my motto! Remember: you can learn from new or established colleagues, and absorbing knowledge helps grow your confidence, build your industry reputation and push you to excel in your career.

Until next month, Kim