Looking Fit 06/2004: NTTI Offers Variety Of Educational Courses

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NTTI Offers Variety Of Educational Courses

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS to consider when looking at the indoor tanning industry is education. Since 1992, the National Tanning Training Institute (NTTI) has trained more than 14,000 salon professionals. In addition, a number of other industry educational groups also have traveled the nation, training salon owners.

Overall, a general estimate of salon professionals who have received some type of certification is approximately 94 percent. What all this amounts to is a more professional, educated industry.

How important is education? Many tanning salon owners are just starting to see the professionalism education can lend to their industry through the creation of seminars, symposiums and trade shows dedicated solely to tanning. Salon owners have started to realize that for their industry to evolve, education is the key to prosperity and integrity. Motivating themselves and their staff to learn and understand tanning will have benefits for years to come.

With educational classes being offered at a nominal fee by NTTI—as well as online at www.tanningtraining.com  — commitment to completing educational courses is the only cost to salon owners. If the owners have the training and the background necessary to run a tanning salon, then they can pass information on to their workers. In addition, certification classes are being held year-round at many different locations nationwide through educational organizations.

The mission of education is simple: to improve the professionalism and reputation of the indoor tanning industry. The solution is simple as well. Tanning salon owners need to promote educational training in all aspects of this enterprise. Formal training not only teaches salon personnel to structure secure exposure advice for each individual, it also helps them to understand the technical side of tanning and their level of responsibility. The control that is placed in the hands of the tanning consultant should be treated with great respect.

In June 2001, NTTI became the first tanning training program to offer an online option for industry certification and training. For the first time, salon owners and staff from 46 states had the ability to become certified online. This high-tech program was initiated in response to a LOOKING FIT® salon survey that showed more than 80 percent of U.S. tanning salons had Internet access and wanted more options for education.

NTTI’s objective always has been to provide the indoor tanning industry with valuable, affordable and convenient training for tanning salon owners and operators. NTTI staff always have realized that the indoor tanning industry would continue to grow in direct proportion to consumer confidence and that confidence only could be gained through knowledgeable tanning professionals who have the welfare of the tanning consumer utmost in mind. Professional competency gained through NTTI’s online programs have helped to increase tanning consumer confidence with the most up-to-date information available in the industry.

One of the primary advantages of the NTTI online program is that it has made learning more accessible by removing the physical boundaries of the classroom, reducing class scheduling restraints and offering easy access to industry training via any online computer. Additionally, NTTI has the only online Canadian training, which is available in English and French. NTTI also offers online programs that are accepted in states such as Florida and Ohio that have a formal certification requirement.

With better accessibility, more and more salon owners have asked for a bigger selection of courses through the online program. So, at the urging of industry professionals, NTTI recently announced three new tracks to its online course options. Now, owners and operators can learn more about salon operations and procedures, lotions and skincare, and the new and growing sunless process.

Managing and operating an indoor tanning salon is not a simple task. Although the daily procedures may seem like second nature to the experienced professional, the novice salon operator may find them overwhelming.

This program provides the operational procedures salon owners must use and understand in daily operations. Although some details may vary slightly depending upon location and business goals, the program offers solid steps to use as effective guidelines.

This program highlights the importance of quality skincare and clears up misconceptions about the most common ingredients found in indoor tanning lotions. You also will find tips on merchandising and display, as well as a section on salon necessities needed to keep your facility ahead of the competition.

Remember, one of a salon owner’s best resources for specific product training is from the distributor or manufacturer of the products the salon carries. However, now owners have an online option to reinforce knowledge of their products.

NTTI offers an online certification course for the rapidly growing sunless segment of indoor tanning. The course is excellent for staff who want to expand their knowledge of the sunless process while enhancing sales and service.

This course is designed specifically for the airbrush technician. Based on research and tests conducted by some of the leading manufacturers of sunless spray systems, this course takes the technician from setup to application while discussing technique, safety, pricing and more.