Nail Enhancements (City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate) (16 – 18) — Full-time
Course outline
This qualification is ideal for anyone aged 16-18 who wants to work as a nail technician or add nail enhancement to their current services.
The application of nail enhancements requires high levels of skill, dexterity and care; it’s an art form in itself.
Techniques and products have advanced greatly in recent years and there are many different techniques that can be used to apply a beautiful set of balanced nail enhancements. They can be used to help mask imperfections, help to create a perfect finish and even elongate the nail bed.
This unit covers the techniques you will learn, practice and perfect in order to achieve a high professional standard.
The course covers:
- Application of tip and blending
- Application of gel, acrylic and fibreglass enhancement
- Infilling of the three systems (gel, acrylic and fibreglass enhancement)
- Safe removal of a nail enhancement
- Health and safety
- Communication skills
The Programme of Study (POS) will give you the opportunity to not only gain work specific knowledge and skills will provide an opportunity to carry out 30 hours of work placement related to your course. You will also be engaging in enrichment activities that include the development of those wider skills which are vitally important when working in industry. These include problem solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration and following instructions, all of which are required when working in industry. You will also have a pastoral tutorial which will cover current topics including PREVENT, British Values, keeping safe, to name but a few. In addition, you will also have a personal tutor which will set academic targets to keep you on track to achieve.
You can expect a dedicated team of lecturers who have up to date skills and experience. This course will be a hands-on learning experience to ensure you get a solid grounding in the main nail techniques, using high quality products.
You will be expected to work in a commercial salon carrying out treatments on paying clients in addition to studying the underpinning knowledge required to pass end of unit tests.
You’ll need to complete a work experience placement, for a minimum of 30 hours, as part of your course.
How to apply for this course
Apply online to start in 2025/26.
Want to find out more first?
Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.
Download a guide Browse careers Get in touch
Location:
Stoney Street
Nottingham NG1 1NG |
Date:Start: Monday 1st September 2025 |
|
Course code: C037484 / Q037485 |
|
| Qualification | City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Nail Enhancements |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year |
| Level | Level 3 |
| Entry requirements | You will need:
All students must undertake and pass a practical dexterity test prior to enrolment to ensure you are suitable for this course. If you are a progressing student, you must also have achieved 90% attendance and successfully completed and passed your previous course. Please speak to your tutor regarding your progression options. |
| Teaching & assessment | You will be assessed via practical observations, assignments, portfolio, and theory-based tests. Practical skills will be assessed when carrying out treatments on paying clients which will be mapped against the City & Guilds grading criteria of Pass, Merit, or Distinction. |
| Progression | You could progress to work in industry. |
| Additional information | You will be required to purchase a kit and uniform. The costs for these will be discussed at interview. If you have not already completed the Health Safety unit, you will also be required to complete this as part of your course. Hair will need to be secured away from your face and you may be expected to provide your own clients Please note your timetable may include one late evening per week. Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information. Nottingham College is proud to have been recognised as a Ragdale Hall Spa College of Excellence.  |