Not everyone will be looking for the same values in their training choice. Some people may value an online course over in-person training due to their busy schedules. Some may value the reputation of their educator. This is of utmost importance for people that plan on working in salons and spas. Having respected training on your resume is a must. On the other hand, if you plan to be self-employed, the reputation of your trainer may not matter as much.
Either way, asking the following questions will be useful in helping you choose the right training provider for your career path:
Sample questions
What are the total fees?
What is covered in the total fee? Tuition? Books? A kit? Application fees? Graduation fees?
Is there a Work Experience component?
How much real experience will be provided if any?
What student support is offered if any?
Some schools may offer added support such as financial aid, job search services, counselling, computer access, etc.
What type of credential do I get when I graduate?
There is a difference between certificate and certification. Certification is industry-recognized and granted only after meeting industry requirements through testing. A certificate is documentation of participation in any given course.
What are the minimum and maximum class sizes?
Class size matters in technical training. How many students will you be competing with for your instructor’s help and attention?
Are there any student perks?
Some training providers may offer discounts at distributors post graduation. Other examples include parking, food services, technology supports, etc.
Are the instructors available for one-on-one support?
What methods can I use to contact my instructor after class?
Is there an attendance policy?
What is the training providers policy on attendance, personal image standards, conduct, etc?
What is the refund policy?
What if I change my mind before I start? The first week after? What if something unexpected happens that prevents me from finishing the course?
EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP is a Beauty Industry Resource Centre offering business, career, and employment services to Albertans. Contact us to meet with our Career and Employment Consultant who can help you develop a career path that is right for you.
For those interested in becoming cosmetology instructors, meet Lisa. She has some insight to share with you before you embark on your beauty educator journey. Lisa spent 10 years as a cosmetology educator at the Eveline Charles Academy. While she has since moved on to a managerial position at the Hair Loft, she looks back at her days as a beauty educator with nostalgia.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH STUDENTS?
My biggest challenge with students was to keep them excited/interested in the topic of choice for the day. It’s not always fun learning and practicing perm wraps or finger waves or even learning brand new techniques that your hands and mind have never tried. Having well-planned out theory and practical curriculums really helps.
MEMORABLE DAYS
The most fun aspects of being an educator was seeing them all the way through. You get a sense of pride in mentoring the future of our industry. Plus, you really get to know each student , their individuality, and hilarious moments you will never forget.
The worst part of educating is feeling responsible for their success even when they don’t see it themselves.
SKILLS OF A GREAT BEAUTY EDUCATOR
If I was hiring an instructor, the number one quality I would look for is their technical abilities and knowledge of the industry. It is important that all instructors are passing quality techniques down to the next generation.
After technical ability, I’m looking for someone who has a kind , patient, and passionate personality.
PRIDE IN YOUR STUDENTS
When I look back on my teaching career the funny thing about it is seeing my past students succeeding and even surpassing me! I went to a Calgary hair show in the fall. Not only did I see a ton of my previous students, but I was overcome with pride to see one of them as a platform artist educating the future generation herself.
In light of our new Beauty Educator courses, we’ve reached out to the finest Beauty Educators that this city has to offer. These educators have been tried, tested, and true! We asked them a few questions to help Beauty Service Providers who want to become educators take the next step.
Let’s start with our very own, Jhoenna Rosa. Jhoenna is the Technical Director at Executive Spa Group. She develops curriculums and oversees their delivery by qualified Beauty Educators, who track and report on each student’s progress.
Jhoenna brings years of experience. She has been a certified esthetician for over sixteen (16) years and is reputable and recognized within the beauty industry as a leader and excellent service provider. She has produced award-winning students during her years as an educator in two of Canada’s top esthetics schools.
Without further ado let’s get on with the interview:
What is the biggest challenge with students?
I would say the biggest challenge is catering to all the different learning styles not only on a theory level but also on a technical level. Technical services require skills such as dexterity and attention to detail, which are things that take time to develop. Given the time frame that is typical for beauty programs, it’s a challenge to ensure that each student leaves with the necessary skills to continue to develop after the classroom setting.
Memorable days
The least fun days are exam days because there is a lot of tension in the air. Students are nervous and it’s just not fun to be in that position as a student or as a supervisor were you know that you are being super critical and can’t provide help or feedback.
The most fun days are practice/model/floor days. They are always fun!
Skills of a great Beauty Educator
When I’m looking to hire a Beauty Educator, one of the skills that I look for is leadership. The ability to instruct a class and direct the students appropriately and engage them on their learning.
I also expect a level of administrative and organizational skills as that does take up a portion of the role of beauty educator.
In addition, I look for someone who has a good ability to improvise and be creative with the class as not every class is going be the same. This is especially true when you’re dealing with the technical aspect and different models are coming in.
And of course, I expect a high standard of technical skill- so 3-5 years of experience is ideal.
Pride in your students
There are quite a few students over the years who have made me proud to have been their educator. Those individuals are the ones that took their education seriously and developed it into a thriving and lucrative career and really made a name for themselves in the industry.
Also, the ones that took it a step further and opened up their own business. They are now putting their own ideas and creativity out there and continue to raise the standard in the beauty industry.
Holidays and Holiday Pay: Beauty Industry Employees
This information comes from Alberta’s Employment Standards Code. Whether you are FT, PT, or on Commission, the code applies to all employees who are NOT self-employed or contracted.
Now let’s begin…
Throughout the year, the following holidays are recognized by the code:
January 1, New Year’s Day
3rd Monday in February, Family Day
Friday before Easter (varies in March/April), Good Friday
Monday after May 25, Victoria Day
July 1, Canada Day
1st Monday in September, Labour Day
2nd Monday in October, Thanksgiving Day
November 11, Remembrance Day
December 25, Christmas Day
How old were you when you found out…?
When July 1 falls on a Monday-Saturday, it is celebrated that day, however, when it falls on a Sunday, its celebrated the next day on Monday
Employers can choose to designate Boxing Day, Easter Monday, or Heritage Day (1st Monday in August) as a holiday, however, it is NOT mandatory
Do you qualify for holiday pay?
Not everyone is eligible for holiday pay, to be eligible:
30 DAYS: You have to have worked at least 30 days before the holiday in question
GOOD ATTENDANCE: You can ‘t have missed work the day before or the day after the holiday in question
BE PRESENT: You have to have actually worked on the holiday in question (not refuse)
If you are eligible, and it is your REGULAR day of work, your employer either
Pays your daily wage + 1.5X your wage for all hours worked; or
Pays your daily wage + provides a day off with pay of average daily wage (If you accept this option, you must take your day off no later than your next vacation and on a day that would normally be a work day for you)
If you are eligible, and it is NOT your REGULAR day of work, your employer
Pays you 1.5X your wage for your hours worked
Did you know?
If you are on vacation when a general holiday occurs and it would be your regular day to work, you are still entitled to holiday pay
Employees paid by commission are entitled to their daily wage + 1.5x their wage when they work on a holiday Ask Executive Spa Group how to calculate the hourly wage if you are paid by commission or visit the Alberta’s Employment Standard Code Fact Sheet
In the beauty industry, a lot of employees work irregular schedules where employees only work when there is work available, or work in predetermined, repetitive patterns that differ from your average M-F/9-5. Contact Executive Spa Group for questions regarding your eligibility for holiday pay based on your particular schedule.
EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
Beauty Industry Resource Centre
(780) 604-2772
info@executivespagroup.com
If your work culture and mission are not parallel to your personal values, it is only a matter of time before you decide no amount of money is worth your time at your current job.
Changing careers is scary but its more common than you think. We have a theory based on observations, our knowledge of human behaviour, and our understanding of social psychology: We go through multiple career changes due to an abundance of career options, and our values changing as we mature.
Many people choose the now-known-as Personal Care Services industry. There are several ways to join, but first we recommend becoming fully informed before making life-changing decisions. We believe choosing a career is dependent among many factors, for example, interests, abilities, work values, personal values, and future life plans.
Where to begin…
ALIS is a great place to start your research. This website will help you gather information about the credentials necessary to reach your goal, and what you can expect in terms of job duties, salary and wages, occupational outlook, plus more!
In addition, if employment is your goal, review job banks in order to have an idea of how likely you are to find a job after training.
However, if you are interested in self-employment, a great tool to start with is the Business Link.
At ESG, we specialize in beauty industry careers. If you are thinking about changing careers. furthering your education, or transitioning back to employment, we can provide industry information and career and employment consulting to help you make the right decision.
