To Whom It May Concern,
As the national industry association that represents Nail Technicians, we want to ensure that the professional standards in training are maintained. The APFA is aware that there are many training establishments within the country. The choice of which one a student enrols with, should be guided by several very important points. It is a fact that many training establishments do not have any formally trained educators or industry standard premises. The curriculums are not industry approved and do not cover what is required to meet the standards required. These are usually identified by being cheaper, short courses with little or no theory, no approved text book and training is done at a private home, in a salon or a makeshift poorly equipped room.

This association goes to great lengths to ensure its approved schools meet or exceed the industry standards. Schools are audited regularly to maintain this level of competency. Accredited schools must have properly qualified educators, a classroom designed for Nail Technician training (not in a salon), full range of educational tools and equipment. They must also meet OH& S regulations.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
A school may apply to the Dept. of Further Education to become a RTO. This will allow the school to deliver the national qualification Certificate II in Nail Technology. This is the only formal nationally recognized qualification for Nail Technicians. An RTO guarantees protection of student tuition fees, course content, policy and procedure, reporting and truth in marketing. It does not cover the training outcome or the training facility...only APFA accredited schools are required to meet the industry standards of training outcome and the training facility.

What does this mean to the potential student?
The APFA can only recommend schools that have met its strict criteria for accreditation. The school may have the additional status of being an RTO which puts that school in the top shelf of training facilities. A student enrolling in a school that is not APFA / RTO maybe taking risks with their money as there are no standards, guarantees (enforceable) and no nationally recognized qualification available. Only RTO's can issue Certificate II in Nail Technology. If a student has a problem with an APFA / RTO school, the APFA will offer help to resolve the matter. No help or protection of any kind is available for students enrolled elsewhere.

Recommendation.
Only one school in South Australia has strived to achieve APFA accreditation and RTO status. Students attending this school are guaranteed industry standard training at a professional facility designed exclusively for training Nail Technicians. This school is at the forefront of training and is the leader in its field. Students will study for Certificate II in Nail Technology (formal qualification only available from RTO) and will automatically become members of the APFA.

Training Facility: Nail Technician School of S.A. (Accredited APFA / RTO)
Address: 3 / 204 South Rd
Morphett Vale S.A. 5162
Phone: 8384 5155 or 8384 5444

Qualification issued:
Certificate II in Nail Technology National code WRB20104