Dear executive spa group,

I worked as a Hairstylist in my home country for many years before coming to Canada. I enjoy working with hair and would love to continue to do so in Canada. I moved to Alberta 8 months ago. What are my options for working as a hairstylist in Canada using my previous training and experience from my home country?

Hope to hear back soon!

Lisa X.

Dear Lisa,

Individuals who have trained abroad in hairstyling and would like to work as Hairstylists in Alberta Canada have the following options:

PLA EXAM

Hairstyling is a government-regulated occupation in Alberta. In other words, a regulatory body exists (Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training) that provides options to help you achieve this goal.

One of the options provided are Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). According to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, these assessments include testing your level of knowledge and technical skill. To clarify, passing a PLA exam can help you gain entry into an apprenticeship program, or help place you in the appropriate place in your apprenticeship program.

As per Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, you can attempt a Previous Learning Assessment (PLA) exam if you successfully completed training that covers the same learning objectives as the apprenticeship education program, or if you have a minimum of one year experience in the trade.. 

Keep in mind this option will require you to provide proof of training so be ready to provide certificates/diplomas, or proof of work experience in the trade. Also, there are application and exam fees you must pay.

Steps to obtaining your apprenticeship

Secure a job in a salon. This could be getting hired as a salon technician, receptionist, or retail specialist. Your supervisor should be a Journeyman Hairstylist to train you and confirm your hours worked.

After securing employment, you may apply to be a Registered Apprentice in Alberta. Once you have completed your application and pay the registration fee, you may be issued an Apprenticeship Card and Blue Book (this is the record log in which your worked hours are tracked).

As an Apprentice Hairstylist, you are able to buy product (no chemicals!) from salon distribution centers, and you are legally able to handle the tools of the trade.

Your on-the-job hours are divided into two twelve-month periods. During each period, you are expected to complete 1450 hours (this is 40 weeks based on 35 hours a week).

Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at DelMar College in Calgary and MC College in Edmonton.

• Your technical training is divided into Period One and Period Two. Both are 10 weeks in length (700 hours total). You may be eligible for financial benefits while in technical training. The average cost of tuition for both periods generally doesn’t exceed $2500. Tool kits would be available for learning purposes only, and it would be your responsibility to invest in your kit for your work experience.

Once your on-the-job training, technical training, and corresponding examinations (theory and technical exams for Period One and Two) are successfully completed, you are eligible to take the theory and technical exam for your Interprovincial Red Seal.

List of References

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 15 September 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/learn-about-designated-trades>.

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP