Thanks for your question, Clarette.
I was interested to find that there is a fairly new Federation of
Image Consultants which has been working to set standards in the
profession. They have helped develop a qualification for consultants:
"The Federation of Image Consultants (TFIC) sets the industry standard
for foundation training in image consultancy and is the recognised
body for the image profession. The Standards of Competence covers the
required core skills, ultimately preparing trainees to take the
professional qualification in image consultancy.
TFIC Is the joint awarding body with the TFIC/City & Guilds Joint
Award in Image Consultancy, the world’s only independently-assessed
professional qualification for image consultancy (TFIC/C&G Joint
Award). This qualification provides credibility and status, assuring
clients that their consultant has achieved the professional standard.
Only members of TFIC are eligible to attain this award.
There are many training companies offering courses relevant to image
consultancy, but TFIC promotes only those who train to the industry
Standards of Competence. Companies meeting the standard are audited
annually by TFIC and are known as Recognised Providers (RTPs)."
TFIC Training
http://www.tfic.org.uk/accreditation.html
If you meet their standards, you can become a member which they
suggest will offer these benefits;
"The first benefit of membership is the immediate credibility
conferred by the independently assessed qualification.
We encourage members to continue their own personal and professional
development, supporting them with:
• regular reports, updates and news through our magazine, website and
newsletters
• seminars, workshops and events throughout the year for professional
and personal development
• masterclass forums with internationally recognised presenters
• opportunities to network with like-minded professionals
• a code of ethics and professional standards
• a set of the Standards of Competence and Guidelines for the
TFIC/City & Guilds Joint Award in Image Consultancy
• membership handbook and directory
• inclusion in the Directory of Consultants
• Public Liability and All Risks insurance at preferential rates with
individual insurance certificates."
TFIC membership
http://www.tfic.org.uk/federation.html
Now for actual places to train, in or near London:
ASTON AND HAYES
===============
Aston and Hayes are the only trainers in central London who are also
on the TFIC's recommended list. Based in Holland Park, this image
consultancy says it offers:
"A professional approach to training
Our programmes follow the guidelines given in the standards of
competency set by TFIC and City & Guilds of London Institute Joint
Award in Image Consultancy.
As well as initial training, we offer practising Image Consultants
further and advanced training, plus a one-stop shop for all the
business aids you need.
Aston+Hayes Training Checklist
• Flexible training modules
• Qualified and experienced trainers
• Standards in accordance with TFIC guidelines
• Comprehensive product range
• Ongoing business support
Training Programmes
Course A 3-day Colour Analysis
Course B 3-day Women's Style Analysis
Course C 1-day Men's Style Analysis
Course D 1-day Colour Analysis Advanced and Professional Update
Course E 1-day Style Analysis Advanced and Professional Update
Course F 1-day Corporate Training
For further information or to request a printed brochure please e-mail
team@aston-hayes.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7243 8561."
http://www.aston-hayes.com/careers.htm
OTHER TFIC RECOMMENDED TRAINERS IN REACH OF LONDON
==================================================
Since courses tend to be in short bursts of 1-5 days, I thought you
might be interested in courses not too far from London, for instance:
ABSOLUTE IMAGE
In Epsom:
"Training Courses
Colour Analysis - 5 Days
Skin Care & Make-up - 2 days
Image and Style - 4 days
Colour & Style For Men - 2 days
Business development - 1 day
Tailored update training and ‘back to basics’ courses - 1 Day
The training is focused on practical work with supporting theory.
Models are used for the training and homework is given. Courses can be
run on a day per week basis, or if travelling from further afield, on
a block basis. Maximum 4 per course to ensure the quality of training
is maintained."
TFIC also recommend trainers in Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes and
Brighton. You'll find full details on this page:
TFIC Find a Trainer
http://www.tfic.org.uk/findatrainer.html
COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL
=================
This organisation trains people to run a consultancy as one of their
franchisees, i.e. you are tied to them financially and legally but
they offer support and resources.
"Becoming a Consultant
When you train as a color me beautiful consultant, you have the
opportunity to run your own business as a fully trained image
consultant. Whether you choose to work on a full or part-time basis,
you’ll enjoy the help and assistance you need to make your business a
success. Whatever level of support you require, you can draw on the
resources and brand awareness of Europe’s largest image consultancy.
Training sessions take place throughout the year and are organised
regionally to meet demand. Further details on training locations and
dates can be obtained from our training department.
If you would like to know more about becoming a color me beautiful
consultant, please contact our training department in London for a
training information pack. Telephone us on 020-7627 5211, ext 213 or
email us at info@cmb.co.uk"
Color Me Beautiful
http://www.cmb.co.uk/recruitment.htm
'House of Colour' is another franchise/training organisation based in
Watford. I don't know if their £5500 charge is any guide to what
'Color Me Beautiful' would charge:
http://www.houseofcolour.co.uk/homeindex.htm
EXTRA INFORMATION
=================
Recent article from the Observer on working as an image consultant:
http://www.cmb.co.uk/recruitment.htm
"Making an appearance: Working as an image consultant"
Personal story with advice on setting up as an image consultant
http://www.channel4.com/brilliantcareers/multiplayer/frontline/image.html
General information on becoming an image consultant in the UK:
http://www.cmb.co.uk/recruitment.htm
Image Counts
(They recommend Aston and Hayes for training.)
http://www.imagecounts.co.uk/links.htm
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if I can clarify anything
for you.
Good luck with your plans!
Leli
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