Before you can even think about finding nail jobs in the UK, you have to go through some training.
Nail jobs are not for everyone and they are certainly not for a person without proper training – at least with most shops. Most nail shops are going to require that you have had basic training, and if they are willing to train, it will be around a different job. For example, you might be hired to clean up the nail salon, putting away the different colours and cleaning out the manicure and pedicure areas.
- Nail Technician Training
- Online Job Searches
- Local Shops
- Temp Companies
Nail Technician Training
According to the National Careers Service, you can expect to work an average of 37 hours and earn an average salary of £21,000 once you have gained proper training. The work will start off with basic treatments before cleaning and filing nails, false nails or extensions, decorating nails, painting designs, repairing, and checking for nail or skin problems before treatment.
Training is more of a qualification basis where you have awards and certifications showing that you had some training in nail treatment and art. Level 1 is an award for basic nail treatments. There are four levels with a certificate in nail treatment, certificate in nail technology and art, and a diploma in nail technology services as the three other levels, respectively. Courses will cover manicure and pedicure techniques, nail products, treatment, nail art, salon duties and health and safety. There are additional courses for beauty therapy where you can start to recognise certain health issues due to how the nails look and offer suggestions on treatment.
Once you go through the first level of training there is a possibility of getting a nail job. It will need to be an apprenticeship, which can be found through your nail school or college. Your local authority may also have ideas of places looking to hire an apprentice.
Online Job Searches
Any online job search engine will post local jobs as long as the company has decided to post publically online. Various sites from nail forums to specialised nail job search engines exist. Indeed.com is a worldwide company that allows job postings in a variety of different industries, including nail jobs.
It is a matter of finding a job search engine and then conducting a search. You can set up alerts and every time a place in your area has a new job post for nail work, you can go in and apply. Online resources like this are extremely helpful.
Once you have the necessary qualifications to be a nail technician or if you have already worked as a nail tech, you need to establish a LinkedIn page. You may not have a lot of people finding you, but you can certainly get job postings sent to you.
You can also advertise that you are looking for a job or a career that will truly mean longevity to you. LinkedIn has its own search engine for jobs that can be used for free. You simply tell it what you want to know and it will send alerts every day or each week. You can set up the frequency of alerts. It also gives a company a chance to find you if they are searching for local help.
More importantly, you will be given little options to follow companies or people that are related to the things you do. This means you might happen upon a company simply by signing up for LinkedIn.
Local Shops
Most likely you want to work in the area in which you live. It makes more sense than driving several miles or spending an hour commuting via public transportation. Checking with local shops to see if they are going to have an opening, already have one, or can offer you an apprenticeship for a short time is just one way to find a job as a nail technician.
You do not want to be pushy, but simply let the owner or manager know that you are in training or looking for a new job. You never know when it could pay off, even if there is no sign advertising a current opening. Invariably, people still trust an in person interaction versus an online post.
As you check local shops visit their website. Often websites with employees have a little career section or at least a little blurb stating they are hiring when there is a vacancy. You may find that there is something like that online for a local shop.
Temp Companies
Temp companies are one way to find businesses that are seeking a day or two fill in. It might not be the path to permanency but it is an option. You may have to clean, handle the phones, or be a secretary for a day but at least the nail salon will begin to recognise your talents. You probably won't find a lot of work in the nail industry this way, but never overlook options that could help you locate a job in the UK.
Get Started on Finding that Job
You now understand the way to get ready for any nail job lies in proper training or finding a shop that offers apprenticeships without the certification. You also learned four possible ways to locate a job, either online or in person. This means you are ready to get yourself a job in the industry you desire the most.
It might take a little time. You may not find things right away through LinkedIn or online search engines, but you at least you know where to look now.