Deposit Refund for Training Course?

George_Michael

LilElvis wrote: »

So you're paying thousands to train to perform these treatments solely on yourself? That's obviously not the case from the information you've provided - you're going to be treating others in return for payment. A business.

Even though the OP intends to using the training course to teach them something that will be used when they are running a business, this doesn't automatically mean that they are classed as a business at the moment and without further info, it's impossible to say for certain exactly what their status is.
If all it took to be classed as a business was to be undergoing training then a great many people who are at college or university studying or training for their chosen career would also be businesses, something that is clearly not the case.

It would be different if they were already running a makeup business and were undergoing more training but at the moment, we don't know if this is what is happening.

Aylesbury_Duck

PearlSO wrote: »

It isn’t just one borough it’s multiple if not most boroughs. I was just using an example.

“basically this is a future proof qualification for your training for any government legislation.” -This looks to me as though they are saying with their qualification you can practise in any borough now and in the future.

Also I have found out this morning that the particular lady who will be training me has just 3 years experience in semi permanent make up. I doubt there are any guidelines on this but I do feel this is quite shocking, it’s hardly a wealth of experience they claim their trainers have.

The point is that their wording is quite clever in that it hints at what you're inferring but doesn't categorically make any promises. The phrase “basically this is a future proof qualification for your training for any government legislation” is clumsy and actually meaningless.

As for the trainer's three years' experience, I don't think that's shocking. If she's clocked up say 30 hours a week for three years that's a huge amount of experience, but that's assuming a lot. Anyway, it's much less surprising than you being able to be let loose on clients' faces after just eight days' training, isn't it? You clearly don't think that's shocking or you wouldn't have signed up for it.

PearlSO

George_Michael wrote: »

Even though the OP intends to using the training course to teach them something that will be used when they are running a business, this doesn't automatically mean that they are classed as a business at the moment and without further info, it's impossible to say for certain exactly what their status is.
If all it took to be classed as a business was to be undergoing training then a great many people who are at college or university studying or training for their chosen career would also be businesses, something that is clearly not the case.

It would be different if they were already running a makeup business and were undergoing more training but at the moment, we don't know if this is what is happening.

I’m not running any kind of business. I’m a fully qualified beauty therapist but haven’t worked in the field since 2011 and never had my own business.

PearlSO

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

The point is that their wording is quite clever in that it hints at what you're inferring but doesn't categorically make any promises. The phrase “basically this is a future proof qualification for your training for any government legislation” is clumsy and actually meaningless.

As for the trainer's three years' experience, I don't think that's shocking. If she's clocked up say 30 hours a week for three years that's a huge amount of experience, but that's assuming a lot. Anyway, it's much less surprising than you being able to be let loose on clients' faces after just eight days' training, isn't it? You clearly don't think that's shocking or you wouldn't have signed up for it.

Yes, very clever.

Why do you feel 8 days training is not enough? Any reputable training companies I have looked at (including this one) state that they will not allow you to work on any live models if they do not feel you are competent. You first practice on fake skin.

Aylesbury_Duck

Why do you feel 8 days training is not enough? Any reputable training companies I have looked at (including this one) state that they will not allow you to work on any live models if they do not feel you are competent. You first practice on fake skin.

I've no idea if it's enough or not. My point was that you found three years' experience of your trainer to be surprisingly little. In that context, I was surprised that you consider eight days' training to be enough to practice on people.

It seemed contradictory. Eight days training is perfectly acceptable to be able to carry out procedures on people's faces yet three years' experience isn't enough for the trainer?

Les79

Buyer's remorse.

Aylesbury_Duck

I have to ask the obvious question.

Why did you not read all of this and question it before you paid a sizeable deposit? Youre finding all sorts of things you can see are warning signs or at best, deserve further research or questioning and you now claim they are using clever wording to trick people. Presumably they havent changed their website since you paid?

I think youre going to have a tough time getting your deposit back. I suggest a charm offensive as the first move and if that doesnt work you might try writing a letter setting out why you think you were misled and the course mis-sold.

Aylesbury_Duck

You are clutching at straws. I've just spent a few minutes on their website and found their prospectus, here: http://www.finishingtouchesgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SPMU-2018-full-courses.pdf

It states the following, quite clearly on page 7:

Is it equivalent to an NVQ? This is not an NVQ Level 4 but a numbering system set up by the government. It is a Level 4 HEE – JCCP related qualification.
Is this or will it ever be law? It is our understanding that it will never be law as it will not be submitted to parliament.
Is this going to affect me now? Local councils & insurance companies may decide to enforce the guidelines. Check with them first to see if this applies to you.
Can practice without a level 4? In principle yes, but you would need to ensure that you are operating within a council and with insurance that has not implemented the new guidelines.

On page 5 it also says that if you want a full level 4 (which I presume you do) then it can be added to the course you've bought for £590+VAT.

I really can't see how they've misled you because it's all spelled out very clearly on their website and online prospectus. It even tells you to check with your council first.

I'm sorry to say that this isn't a case of mis-selling, it's a case of mis-buying. Everything you needed to know is on their website so you can't claim that they took your deposit under false pretences. Unless they are prepared to refund your deposit out of goodwill, you seem to have two options. Forego the deposit and chalk it up to experience or press ahead and complete the course, with the extra level 4 element added if that's what you need.

Aylesbury_Duck

I can’t post links but the course I am doing includes ‘full level 4.’ Which is what they state on the page you have read as being an extra £595.
So whether I have checked with my council first or not they are claiming to offer a course that is accepted by all local governments right?

That's not how I read it - they specifically say that you should check. Twice.

It isn’t however issued by a government accredited body as they claim. It’s a bespoke accredited course not a qualification. Therefore not accepted by local councils requiring you to have a full level 4 qualification.

Again, that's not how I interpret it from the description and from the questions in their prospectus.

I have spoken to my solicitor this morning and she has told me that by not providing the full name of the company (and stating that it was ‘open college network’ when the 2 companies are in no way affiliated) they have given misleading information.

If your solicitor thinks that then you seem to have a case based on that loophole. Hopefully they'll refund your deposit and make their course description clearer. Good luck with it.

Aylesbury_Duck

It's not me you need to convince.

You seem certain you have a case for a refund so set your points out in a letter to them (or ask your solicitor to do so) and claim your deposit back.