Posts Tagged ‘alberta’

alberta,apprenticeship,hairstylist,internationally trained hairstylist,trained abroad

Internationally Trained Hairstylists

internationally trained hairstylist

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>.


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alberta,doing nails from home,nail certificate,nail technician,wrking from home

Do you need a certificate to do nails in Alberta?

do you need a certificate to do nails in Alberta

Minimum education required to work as a Nail Tech

While there is no official certification required, most nail salons require a new hire to have training. In addition, professional tools and supplies are sold by distributors who require proof of training to sell products. Distributors do not sell to the public.

Furthermore, Nail Technicians- like all other beauty service providers- must follow Alberta Health Standards and Regulations. The elimination of transmission of diseases is of utmost importance when delivering these services professionally. In other words, offering manicures and pedicures is about more than beautifying nails, it’s about hand, nail, and foot health. Good training courses review contraindications, infection control, and safety protocols.

On the other hand, if you plan to be self-employed you will require a business license.

Home Business License

While you do not need to be certified to work from home as a Nail Technician in Alberta, you do require a home business license. These are granted municipally. In other words, you have to apply for a home business license through your city. This isn’t always a quick process, so give yourself at least 3 months for your application to be processed post submittal.


EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
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(780) 604-2772
info@executivespagroup.com

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alberta,hairstyling,skilled trade

Is hairdressing a skilled trade in Alberta?

What exactly is a Skilled Trade?

What sets the trades apart from other occupations is that they are directed by a board of directors who use the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act to regulate the involved trades. This board consults with industry experts, for example, schools and employers, to establish and update certification requirements to meet the needs of employers (Tradesecrets, 2024).

Did you know that Alberta has over 50 designated trades?

Amongst this group of trades is Hairstyling. In the case of hairstylists, the board identifies the particular activities that hairstylists do, for example, cut, colour, perm, etc. These are called “restricted activities.” In other words, only people in the trade can perform those activities. Anyone performing or wanting to perform those activities must identify themselves either as a certified journeyperson, or as a sponsored apprentice with Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).

This is done by either passing an exam to confirm that you meet industry standards, or registering as an apprentice after securing employment under the direct supervision of a certified journeyperson. You can also complete a designated occupational program, but then you still have to work the required hours, plus pass the exam.

List of References

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/learn-about-designated-trades>.

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0424>.

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0424/scope-of-profession/#restricted>.


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alberta,employment,red seal hairstylist,red seal stylist

What is a red-seal stylist?

A little background information

Did you know that Alberta has over 50 designated trades? What sets these trades apart from other occupations is that they are directed by a board of directors who use the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act to regulate the involved trades. This board consults with industry experts, for example, schools and employers, to establish and update certification requirements to meet the needs of employers (Tradesecrets, 2024).

The coolest amongst this group of trades is Hairstyling 😉  In the case of hairstylists, the board identifies the particular activities that hairstylists do, for example, cut, colour, perm, etc. These are called “restricted activities.” In other words, only people in the trade can perform those activities. Anyone performing or wanting to perform those activities must identify themselves either as a certified journeyperson, or as a sponsored apprentice with Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).

This is done by either passing an exam to confirm that you meet industry standards, or registering as an apprentice after securing employment under the direct supervision of a certified journeyperson. You can also complete a designated occupational program, but then you still have to work the required hours, plus pass the exam.

Red Seal Endorsement

In Alberta, Hairstyling is considered a Red Seal Journeyman Trade. This means that hairstylists can earn a red seal certification after successfully passing an exam. The Red Seal Exam can be taken after proven certification based on education and hours worked in a salon.

Benefits of the Red Stamp of Approval

The Red Seal endorsement is recognized in Canada. Because it signifies higher standards have been met, employers look for it as an indication of the skill and competency level of potential employees.

Did you know?

In some trades uncertified individuals whose employers deem them to have the skills and competencies expected of a journeyperson are also authorized to perform restricted activities- hairstyling IS NOT one of them!


LIST OF REFERENCES

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/learn-about-designated-trades>.

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0424>.

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0424/scope-of-profession/#restricted>.

Tradesecrets 2024, accessed 21 May 2024, <https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/become-certified/interprovincial-red-seal/>.


EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP 
Beauty Industry Resource Centre
(780) 604-2772
info@executivespagroup.com

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accredited beauty programs,alberta,canada,licensed beauty programs

Licensed vs. Accredited Beauty Training Programs

licensed vs accredited beauty training programs alberta canada

What is the difference between licensed and accredited beauty training?

Licensed beauty trainers have been vetted by the appropriate governmental bodies. Licensed programs are monitored to ensure they provide students with quality training that meets industry standards. Licensing also ensures student rights and money are protected because they must follow a set of standards. Licensing is synonymous with accreditation in the sense that they are vetted by the appropriate governmental bodies.

On the other hand, designated beauty programs have been licensed to teach, plus more. They have been deemed eligible to participate in government student loan funding. Also, accredited beauty programs can accept international students.

Are all beauty industry programs accredited and/or licensed in Alberta, Canada?

When it comes to esthetics and other specializations that would fall under esthetics, for example, lash extensions, the sad truth is most are not. Esthetics is not regulated in Alberta, Canada. As a result, many estheticians or other beauty experts unknowingly share their knowledge without having the proper license to teach.

Cosmetology is licensed however. This results in enough options of licensed and accredited training providers to choose from.

What about unlicensed beauty courses or programs?

Beauty programs and courses by unlicensed beauty trainers are not necessarily worse in quality. In fact, licensing bodies are very clear that licensing is not an endorsement of any particular trainer or program. However, it is also very clear that licensed beauty programs are vetted to an extreme by their licensing bodies.

There is a positive aspect to unlicensed trainers: They keep the costs of training down. Make sure you do the vetting if you are going to receive training from an unlicensed beauty trainer. Like we stated above, ‘unlicensed’ is not synonymous with ‘worse’.

Benefits of Licensed and Accredited Beauty Training

Licensing provides many advantages for training providers, for the students who graduate from your courses and programs, and industries themselves.

It’s pretty clear how accreditation benefits students; They attend a school that offers payment options.  As for the beauty industry, employers benefit when they hire graduates from licensed schools that they can trust. When schools produce well-trained students, the quality level in the industry overall rises.

Consumer protection

Students can take their complaints to the governing body and find a resolution. Unlike attending a course that is not licensed, the most the student can do is leave a negative review on yelp!

An added incentive for students related to consumer protection is that licensed trainers often help them find jobs as part of the licensing agreement. Last year, 79% of licensed trainers helped graduates find jobs as part of their training.


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