AINT traineeships’ focus on peer-led, industry-led, hands-on, practical learning over academic theory.
Providing access to professional, industry-ready accredited qualifications and progression pathways to the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programmes and employment.
Entrepreneur-Ready & Employment Focused in 2026
Deborah Whelan (owner)
Deborah has a CIBTAC Diploma in Aesthetic Treatments, & Body Therapy. Also, an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology. She completed a Distinction certificate QQI Level 5 in Anatomy and Physiology.
Additionally, Deborah completed both Training Needs & Identification and Training Delivery & Evaluation QQI Level 6. The purpose of these awards is to equip the tutor with the
knowledge, skill, and competence to deliver, assess, and evaluate
a training and development intervention.
Most recently she completed Level 7 Professional Training Practices at UCC. At its core, Professional Training Practices is focused on fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within organisations.
The Advanced Institute of Nail Technology ‘AINT’ was established in 2001. AINT is currently responsible for training groups of students in Community Colleges, FAS Colleges, and Private Colleges Nationwide. AINT was nominated for ‘Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Training Institute of the Year’ at the IBPA Irish Professional Beauty Association Awards.
Course Director Deborah Whelan was on the judging panel with the president of the IBPA in judging the nail Technician of the year. We won the silver title of Irish Nail Champions at the Irish Nail Championships.
ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS
-Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT) provides accreditation for this traineeship programme.
-Professional Indemnity Insurance for this traineeship is provided by Associated Irish Therapists (AIT)
Insurance with AIT provides individual student insurance packages of up to 6 million euros, and free professional legal advice if necessary. (Costs €38 & is an additional payment)
-AIT membership: students are part of the largest beauty membership in Ireland and the UK. Students’ names are listed as professionally accredited nail technicians on the official AIT website: benefits include free VIP membership to the Beauty Show in the RDS & more
Provided in this Traineeship Programme
-3 Accredited certificates in BIAB, Acrylic, and Gel & Gel Polish nail technologies.
-1 Personal & Professional Development Certificate,
-Practical hands-on training in a simulated workplace while also learning the theory of the Beauty Industry in the classroom.
-Traineeships are open to people of all ages and from all educational and employment backgrounds.
-Social welfare payment will not be reduced or affected while in training.
What You’ll Learn
Theory course notes include:
Personal & professional development: (Optional)
-Writing a current CV
-Choosing a business name
-Registering a business name with CRO (Company Registration Office)
-Registering a business name with ROS (Revenue Online Services)
-Building an online presence through FB, Instagram, TikTok
-Building an online professional web brochure (optional, not included)
-Professionalism related to Beauty/Complementary or Sports Therapy, and explain the appropriate professional
-Preparation – The student prepares herself and the client for professional treatment
-Consultation form
-Disclaimer form
-Aftercare advice form
-Structure and function of the nail
-Structure of the bones of the hand & forearm/foot
-Nail anatomy sample exam questions and answers
-Nail disease and disorders
-Nail disease and disorder sample exam questions and answers
-Professionalism related to Beauty/Complementary or Sports Therapy and explain the appropriate professional
-Preparation
–The student prepares herself and the client for professional treatment
Practical work:
Nail Preparation. Manicure preparation
-Safley push back the cuticle without damaging the delicate Matrix (the growing section of the nail).
-Buffing the natural nail without damaging the surface.
-Filing the natural nail without fraying the edges.
-Nail polish application in 3 strokes.
Tip Application
-Application of plastic tips without air bubbles.
-Choosing the correct nail tip.
-Positioning the right size tip for each fingernail
-Tip blending & shaping.
-Safe use and storage of professional nail glue
-Professional shaping: Square, Squoval, Stiletto, Coffin, long and short Almond.
Product Application
-Application of BIAB leaving a perfectly smooth and straight line around the edges.
-Application of cover-pink gel
-Application of permanent French tip gel,
-Application of gel polish.
-E-file techniques for nail prep, tip application, and final buff.
Followup and Maintenance Treatments
-Safe refill procedure techniques.
-Safe removal procedure. -Repairing a broken nail.
Note: The exam class will be discussed with your tutor.
Note: You are required to do a portfolio, containing before & after pictures of 6 full sets of gel nail extensions, 4 sets of acrylic nail extensions, and 2 gel-polish nails, with completed consultation/ disclaimer & aftercare forms
Theory course notes include:
-Structure and function of the nail
-Structure of the bones of the hand & forearm/foot
-Nail anatomy sample exam questions and answers
-Nail disease and disorders
-Nail disease and disorder sample exam questions and answers
-Consultation form
-Disclaimer form
-Aftercare advice form
Portfolio of work:
Each student is required to produce a portfolio of evidence of work. It consists of 10 before & after pictures of their work, with completed and signed consultation, disclaimer, & aftercare advice form.
Potential Earnings
Nail Technology Treatment List
BIAB Extensions €45 – 1.15hrs
-Add nail art €50 – 1.45 hrs
BIAB Extension Refill €40 – 1 hr
Gel/Acrylic Extensions €45 – 1.15 hrs
– Add nail art €50
Gel/Acrylic Refill €45 – 1.15hrs
-Add nail art €50
BIAB/ Gel Polish €35 – 1.15hrs
Manicure €25
-Add BIAB/ Gel Polish €35 – 1 hr
Pedicure €35
-Add BIAB/ Gel Polish €45 – 1 hr
NB (The times allotted for each treatment are estimated; treatment may take longer initially)
Items needed at home:
-Table (preferably with drawers to store your products that are sensitive to sunlight)
-2 chairs (preferably an ergonomic chair for yourself to protect your back) Tech Tip*** Always mind your back!
-Your chair should be at the right height so that your knees and hips are at the right angles.
-Table lamp with a bulb of at least 60 watts of white light
-Tissues
-Cotton wool
-Cotton tips
-Metal bin with a self-closing lid and bin bag inside
-Small glass bowl
WEB BROCHURE WITH ALL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
After graduating from your traineeship programme, connecting with your new customer base is the final step. Our web designers have designed unique web brochure templates for successful AINT graduates, these web brochures are designed for students to project a professional image of their new business. (This is optional)
Here we link your Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts centrally. Your new clients can visit your unique web brochure, follow all your social media links and price lists, and learn about you and your qualifications.
She is launching her new web brochure with AINT. Here she can advertise her treatment list, special offers, contact details, opening hours etc. All of her Social Media Apps are attached to her professional web brochure.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Because fairness, equality, transparency, and professionalism are at the heart of our training procedures. We have developed all policies and procedures, and make them available to learners and tutors.
Documents available for learners – Learner Handbook -Data Protection
Documents available for Tutors – Quality Assurance Documents – Application Form -Access Interview -Application for Reasonable Accommodation -Daily Roll -Tutor Pre-Programme Planning -Lesson Plans -Mid-Way Meeting -Progression Pathways -Progression Review Form -Assessment Portfolio Checklist
Hey! I’m ”Deborah”
AINT traineeships’ focus on peer-led, industry-led, hands-on, practical learning over academic theory.
Providing access to professional, industry-ready accredited qualifications and progression pathways to the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programmes and employment.
I genuinely recommend the training techniques, products, courses, and events by heart – especially the team spirit and success philosophy to everyone..
Let’s keep in touch
What our students say
12-WEEK COMPLETE NAIL TECH & LASH LIFT COURSE
Faye Wilkinson
Follow her at 👉https://www.instagram.com/beauty.by.faye25
5-WEEK BEGINNER GEL COURSE
I recently completed the beginner nail course with Aintnailz, and it was an amazing experience. The instructor, Deborah, was knowledgeable and supportive, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging. I gained valuable skills and confidence in gel extension. I can’t wait to start what I’ve learned in just five days. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start their journey as a nail technician!
Ava Kinsella.
12-WEEK COMPLETE NAIL TECH COURSE
This course with Deborah was amazing dedicating a couple of hours a week to your practice really helps you to improve quickly under her guidance I flew through my course learning how to do both gel and acrylic which has greatly benefited me as my clients can choose between both. The happy and cheerful atmosphere of Deborah’s classes allows you to relax when you walk through her doors, if you are thinking of doing any courses Deborah is who I’d call
Elaine Conway.
6-WEEK GEL TECHNOLOGY COURSE
Huge thanks to @aintnailz for her support and guidence on helping me get my nail technology certificate! So grateful and excited for what’s next!
Lucy O’Brien.
👉https://www.instagram.com/nailedbyylucy/
View our nail courses and vip membership