Professional nail technician training courses
Whether you’re a beginner starting a new career as a nail technician, or looking to build confidence and develop your existing skills, I can help you reach your full potential.
My private nail studio in Callander, Central Scotland is the perfect place to learn. It offers a relaxed, friendly environment with access to a wide range of products from high-end brands. I offer 1-1 accredited training courses, which allow for greater guidance and support than large classroom settings.
I’m proud to deliver high-quality, up-to-date training that’s both interesting and enjoyable. I also share real-world insight from my own experience as a salon worker and self-employed nail technician – and I offer continuing support even after your course is complete.
Accreditation & Insurance
Paintbrush Nails Education is a Guild-accredited training centre, meaning that once you complete and pass your course, you’ll be able to:
Work professionally as a qualified nail technician
Apply for public liability insurance through The Guild
To register for a course, you must be a member of the Guild of Beauty Therapists. It’s quick and easy to join – just visit the Beauty Guild website for more information.
How to Book a Course
To book a nail training course, please contact me directly via Instagram, Facebook, or email.
This ensures I can help you choose the right course, confirm availability, and answer any questions before booking.
Full payment is required upfront to secure your place.
Bookings are not confirmed until payment has been received.
Payment details will be provided once we’ve discussed your chosen course.
Courses take place in my private studio in Callander, which is easily accessible from Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.
Workshops & In-Salon Training
In addition to accredited qualifications, I also offer personalised 1-1 workshops and in-salon team training to help nail professionals develop confidence and improve their skills.
These sessions are perfect for:
Qualified nail techs looking to refresh or refine their skills
Salon owners investing in team upskilling
Technicians seeking tailored support in specific areas
These are not Guild-accredited courses, but a Paintbrush Nails certificate of completion will be issued.
Areas of Focus Can Include:
Nail prep and product control
Gel application and structured manicures
Hygiene and safe working practices
Hand filing and electric file techniques for natural nails
Nail art techniques (e.g. French, abstract, chrome, florals)
Workshops are always adapted to suit your current experience, goals, and learning preferences.
A gel polish certificate is required as a prerequisite.
If you’re interested in a custom workshop or want to arrange in-salon team training, please contact me via Instagram, Facebook, or email to discuss your needs.
Ready to Plan Your Workshop?
Let’s chat about your goals and create something tailored just for you.
Message Me Now (Instagram)
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FAQ
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How do I book a course?
GTi courses are booked via the Beauty guild website. Please don’t hesitate to send an email to discuss any further details before booking or if you are unsure how to navigate the website. Kirsty will be happy to talk you through the booking process.
Nail art or upskill courses can be tailored to suit any level or area of interest please send an email to discuss any non GTi accredited courses.
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What if I can’t find a suitable course date online?
If there are no suitable courses dates listed on the Beauty guild website please send an email and we can try and work something out to suit your needs.
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Where are your courses held?
In-person gel nail courses are generally held in Paintbrush nails studio which gives you a helpful insight into a working salon environment.
Salon team upskill sessions can also be arranged at your own salon venue if desired. Please email to discuss.
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What do I need to bring to my course?
Paintbrush nails education will provide all tools required for the course to use on the day, you do not need to bring your own. Bringing a notepad and pen will be helpful for you to make notes from your nail technician training courses to refer back to.
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Can I purchase a starter kit from Paintbrush Nails Education?
Paintbrush nails education does not currently sell or supply starter kits but will provide you with a selection of different tools and products to try out for yourself during your course, give you professional recommendations and a list of suggested kit items that you may want to go away and purchase after gaining your nail technician qualifications.
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Will I need to bring a model with me for my course?
Students must arrange to bring a model to work on during their professional gel nails courses who will be required on and off through out the day. Models must attend with no product on their nails and be happy to have photos/ videos of their nails taken.
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Can I reschedule or cancel my course?
Course bookings are non-refundable but every effort will be made to reschedule your booking if necessary, given adequate notice. Please be aware though that Paintbrush nails education does book up in advance and that Kirsty is also very busy with her own regular client bookings so you may have a considerable wait if you need to change your nail training course booking.
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What should I wear to attend my course?
Students should be dressed in salon clothing when learning at the accredited training centre (if you have it) otherwise comfortable, practical clothing is absolutely fine with closed toe shoes. Long hair should be tied back and minimal jewellery worn. Aprons will be supplied to wear during your course but please do not come dressed in your best clothes just incase!
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Will I get a lunch break during the course?
Students will have a break for lunch during your nail courses and are welcome to go out for lunch with your model (many will treat their models to lunch or a coffee as a thank you!) There are lots of nice cafes, bakeries and coffee shops within easy walking distance. The courses can be quite intense so it is good to get out for a walk and have a break.
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How do I pay for my course?
Courses delivered at Paintbrush nails education, Stirling are Guild training international courses (GTi). You pay an enrolment fee of £25 for each course to The Beauty guild which covers the online theory that they provide and you pay a practical fee (amount varies depending on your course choice) directly to Painbrush nails education at the time of booking.
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How many people will be in my class?
Nail technician training courses at Paintbrush Nails are 1-1 or 2-1 in order to give the best possible support compared to that in a college classroom environment. Learning is tailored to your individual needs and pace.
Salon team upskill training sessions are also available to book on request.
Courses include:
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GTi Manicure
A good manicure is the basis for all nail services. This is the key to product retention, good nail health and high standard work. This course will teach you everything you need to know about offering a professional manicure, and includes practical training in my studio and assessment.
22 CPD points
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GTi Gel Polish
Learn how to complete gel polish application, the correct removal techniques and aftercare advice. Course also covers contra-indications to treatment, anatomy and physiology. Includes practical training in my studio and assessment.
22 CPD points
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GTi Gel Nails
The GTi Gel Nails course covers how to complete gel overlays (builder gel) and extensions as well as the maintenance, repair and removal of the treatment in order to provide a full gel nails service. The course includes online theory as well as practical training in my studio designed to give you the confidence and ability to offer a full gel nails treatment.
22 CPD points
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GTi Pedicure
Learn how to complete a professional pedicure treatment. Includes practical training day in my studio and assessment.
22 CPD points
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Personalised nail workshops
Not GTi accredited courses, but a certificate of completion will be issued from Paintbrush nails. These can be tailored to suit individual areas of interest and skill level in order to build skills and confidence. You must already hold a gel polish certificate as a pre requisite.
Areas of focus could include:
Nail prep, gel application, structured manicure, hygiene, nail art techniques.
Student feedback
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“Kirsty was friendly, patient and extremely professional at all times. She took great care to explain everything clearly and answer any questions that I had. I also found her to be very encouraging and she made me feel confident and comfortable as I was learning”.
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“ Kirsty's experience really shone through and I felt that I was in very safe hands. Her confidence with what she was doing helped me feel more confident”.
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“ Kirsty is friendly, approachable and has a calm manner which puts you immediately at ease. As a tutor she was everything you would wish for. She made me feel empowered and confident. I came away feeling that this is something I can do”.