Training for a new career in Permanent Make-Up requires a high level of both personal and financial committment.
Training courses at the Sherborne Clinic have been structured to allow students the chance to find out whether or not the profession is what they expect, and to fit the training in around their existing personal committments. Some training establishments require the students to undergo intensive courses, which can, on some occasions, be counter-productive.

Training with Alison at the Sherborne Clinic is caried out fulfilling the National Occupational Standards as set down by the Government's industry body, HABIA (The Health And Beauty Industry Association).
Training is carried out strictly on a one-to-one basis, and all students should be aware that there is no guarantee of certification. Students must be able to show that they have reached the required standard. If the student does not reach the required standard, additional help will be available.

The range of training courses available start with an introductory day, called a 'Taster Day', Basic Training In Micropigmentation (The Permanent Make-Up Course) and advanced courses for experienced Permanent Make-Up Technicians that wish to enhance their portfolio of treatments that they can offer.

Taster Day Courses:

This is a one-day attendance course, ideal for those considering a new career in mcropigmentation. The prospective student spends a day with Alison at the Sherborne Clinic, watching as she carries out procedures. The day also includes a practical session, where the prospective student actually gets to try out a Permanent Make-Up machine on practice materials. An advice session is also included, explaining the basic needs for setting up in business, both through the experienced Clinic Manager, together with local advisors from Business Link and the Federation Of Small Businesses. As Alison is a member of The Royal Society of Medicine, further information can be obtained from there.
A charge is payable for the 'Taster Day', however, this is deducted from the course costs of the Basic Training In Micropigmentation should the student wish to go ahead and train with Alison at the Sherborne Clinic.

Basic Training In Micropigmentation (Permanent Make-Up):

This is the foundation course in micropigmentation, and, unless a qualified medical professional (not beauty therapist), all students will have to satisfactorily complete this course before moving on to advanced procedures.
As mentioned earlier, the course fulfills, if not exceeds, the minimum requirements set down in the Government's National Occupational Standards.
Training is carried out on a modular basis covering 8 days over 3 weeks. Week 1 is of 4 day duration, whilst weeks 2 & 3 are both 2 days duration. (It is not necessary that the 3 weeks are consecutive. This is to allow the student to arrange to cover any personal committments that they may have). Prior to training, the student will receive a set of home-study manuals, which will give a good insight into micropigmentation, as well as the medical and legal requirements involved. The student may keep the manuals as they provide excellent reference material.

Module 1, Week 1, 4 days duration:
Although no testing on the home study literature is necessary, students will have to show an acute awareness of the subjects contained within
 the manuals, particularly to the issues pointed out by the UK's Health & Safety Executive regarding blood-borne antibodies (pathogens), general health and safety of the client and practitioner, the treatment area, and the need for both public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and the essential need to take photographs of all treatments, both before and after. The remainder of days 1 and 2 will be spent understanding colour theory, and becoming familiarized with the equipment and training areas.
Days 3 and 4 will be spent concentrating on carrying out eyebrow procedures on both practice materials and live models.

Module 2, Week 2, 2 days duration:
A recap of what had been learned during the previous module, with a question and answer time. The remainder of the module will be spent carrying out eyeliner procedures on both practice materials and live models.

Module 3, Week 3, 2 days duration:

By now, the student should be relatively proficient, with only a brief recap of what has been learned being necessary. Training in carrying out lip procedures follows, with a final assessment period at the end of day 2.

A certificate will be issued subject to satisfactory completion of the course.

Advanced Techniques Courses:

A range of courses are available for the experienced Permanent Make-Up technician. Technicians should be able to provide evidence of their basic training if required, together with a current public liability / professional indemnity insurance certificate.
Courses include:-

Areola / Nipple Restoration ( 1 day):     Scar / Scalp Camouflage ( 1 day):     Alopecia & Vitiligo Camouflage ( 1 day):     Pigment Correction & Removal [Tattoo Removal] ( 1 day ):

Fast-Track Courses for Medical Professionals Only:

These courses are only available to qualified medical professionals. The courses last a maximum of 3 days, depending on the procedures. Areola / Nipple, Scar / Scalp Camouflage and Alopecia / Vitiligo Camouflage are very popular amongst Breast Care Nurses, Consultant Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists, as many of these treatments offer a longer lasting solution to those offered by camouflage make ups.

Refresher / Skill Update Courses:

Individual 1 or 2 day courses, ideal for those returning to work after a period of absence, or for existing technicians wishing to update their skills or try out new machines and / or the latest range of pigments.

Alison also runs her own micropigmentation equipment and products supplies business, called MTEC West (www.mtecwest.co.uk).
This is great news, especially for students, as she can offer a 'Student Business Start-Up Kit', which will provide one of the latest digital machines, a comprehensive range of needles, pigments and accessories, together with topical anaesthesia, pigment blend books etc etc at really competitive prices!!
The 'Student Start-Up Kit' generally carries enough for the student to recoup the cost of training and the kit, before needing to re-order!