Unbrushing Apprenticeship Myths

The beauty industry thrives on hands-on learning, continuous skill development, and mentorship. Yet, despite the long tradition of skilled trades training, some salon owners and aspiring stylists still misunderstand what it truly means to apprentice in a salon.

These misconceptions can lead to missed opportunities for growth, legal issues, or strained employer–employee relationships. This article clarifies common myths about salon apprenticeships and pairs them with current Alberta and Canada statistics to help you make informed decisions. 

Misconception 1: “Apprentices are the same as entry-level employees.” 

Reality: An apprentice is not just a junior employee. Apprenticeship is a structured learning pathway that combines on-the-job training with formal technical education. Apprentices are registered learners working toward a recognized credential or trade certification. Their role includes specific training requirements, documentation, and progression milestones. 

Misconception 2: “Apprentices cost too much time to train.” 

Reality: While training takes effort, apprenticeships are designed so that learning happens while the apprentice contributes to the salon’s workflow. Over time, apprentices increase productivity, reduce the burden on senior staff, and support the salon’s service capacity. In many jurisdictions, financial incentives, grants, or tax credits support employers who hire and train apprentices. 

Misconception 3: “Apprenticeship limits creativity.” 

Reality: Apprenticeship enhances creativity by building a strong technical foundation. When apprentices understand correct techniques, sanitation, chemical processes, and design fundamentals, they can innovate with confidence and deliver advanced services safely. 

Misconception 4: “Apprentices slow down business operations.” 

Reality: Good apprenticeship programs integrate seamlessly into daily salon operations. Apprentices assist with prepping clients, supporting chemical services, maintaining station cleanliness, and gradually taking on supervised service work. Managed well, apprentices increase overall efficiency rather than slow it down. 

Misconception 5: “Only large salons can support apprentices.” 

Reality: Small and independent salons are often ideal for apprenticeships because they offer close mentorship and strong trainer–apprentice relationships. With clear expectations and a structured training plan, even a small studio can successfully apprentice a future stylist. 

Misconception 6: “Apprentices don’t need to understand the business side.” 

Reality: Apprenticeship is not just about technique—it prepares future professionals for long-term success. Understanding retailing, client retention, booking systems, timing, and professional communication is essential. Apprentices who learn both business and technical skills become more valuable contributors. 

Misconception 7: “Apprenticeship only benefits the apprentice—not the salon.” 

Reality: A strong apprenticeship program benefits everyone. Salons gain loyal, well-trained staff who understand the salon’s techniques, culture, and client expectations. Apprentices become skilled professionals who can take on full books, advanced services, and leadership roles. Apprenticeship builds a stable, sustainable workforce. 

Snipping Salon Myths Away

Clearing up these misconceptions is essential because it helps salons attract motivated new professionals and build a stronger talent pipeline, while also improving service quality and client satisfaction through more consistent, standardized training. It supports healthier industry practices by strengthening standards and compliance, and ultimately creates meaningful long‑term career paths and leadership opportunities for those entering the beauty profession.

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EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

We recently received this question and thought it was a great question to share with our readers.

“I’m a hairstylist moving from B.C. to Alberta. Are the rules the same across provinces? From licensing to health regulations, I’m wondering what carries over, what doesn’t, and what I need to know before my move to Alberta.”

-Canadian Hairlady

Dear Hairlady,

Alberta does have stricter rules, but don’t worry  — once you know what’s what, you’ll be totally set up to work legally and confidently. 

First: Why Alberta is different. 

While in B.C., trade certification for hairstylists is voluntary, it is mandatory in Alberta. In other words, hairstylists can obtain certification through BC’s Industry Training Authority, but they are legally allowed to work without being certified.

Alberta, hairstyling is a compulsory certification trade, meaning certain tasks—called restricted activities—can only be done by certified or authorized stylists. Think of it as Alberta wanting to make sure everyone doing chemical and technical services is properly trained. Certain tasks are legally restricted to approved individuals.  Examples of tasks include: 

• Cutting, shaving, trimming hair 
• Colouring, bleaching, waving, perming, straightening 
• Heat/chemical services 
• Scalp + facial treatments and hair analysis

Labour Mobility Privileges- Your “Golden Ticket” 

If you already hold a recognized trade certificate from B.C., Alberta basically says, “Welcome in, babe!” You can work without re-registering, rewriting exams, or doing extra training. That’s what labour mobility privileges are — your credentials are respected across provincial lines.

And if you’ve got your Red Seal? Even better. It’s like the Canada wide VIP pass for hairstylists because it proves you meet the national standard. 

Examples of Recognized Credentials 

These are the kinds of certificates Alberta automatically respects: 

• Your B.C. Certificate of Qualification (Hairstylist/Cosmetologist) (with or without Red Seal) if it appears on Alberta’s recognized list. 
• A hairstylist Red Seal Endorsement from B.C or any province.  

If Your Credential Isn’t Recognized 

You’re still not stuck — Alberta offers the Trades Qualifier – Work Experience Program, which uses your experience (around 36 months/4,350 hours + exams) to get you certified. 

How to Check If Alberta Recognizes Your Current Credentials 

• Use Alberta’s Recognized Trade Certificate search tool — it tells you instantly whether your B.C. certification is approved.  
• If it’s not recognized, check out Alberta’s Hairstylist profile to choose the right certification pathway. 

Move your career, not your stress.

Alberta’s system might look a little intense at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes so much clearer — kind of like learning a new product line. After a quick look at your credentials and which pathway you fall into, everything starts to feel totally doable. 

And remember you’ve already built your skills, your confidence, and your signature touch behind the chair. Alberta isn’t asking you to redo any of that — it’s just making sure you’re slotted into the right spot so you can keep doing what you love. Your B.C. clients adore you for your talent, your energy, and the way you make them feel. All that travels with you. 

So, take a deep breath, trust your expertise, and step into this new chapter knowing you’ve absolutely got this. You’re fabulous — and Alberta is lucky to have you.  

AUTHOR: Shayla Cassidy

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

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WORKS CITED

Tradesecrets- https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0424/

Hairdresser in British Columbia- https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/16450/BC

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.

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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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EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Technically you can teach yourself hairstyling. You can teach yourself to do just about anything these days! You may even be able to practice your self-taught skills on your family and friends. But as for teaching yourself to work as a hairstylist…well, that would be a no-no in Alberta, Canada.

THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

However, if hair is your passion and you don’t mind going the extra mile, you may want to learn more about apprenticeship. The apprenticeship route to becoming a licensed hairstylist works for motivated people.

The Apprenticeship path will take you two years to complete. This includes a minimum of 1450 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of technical training each year (20 weeks total). The benefit of this route is the cost effectiveness and the real life, hands on training.

STEPS TO OBTAINING YOUR APPRENTICESHIP

1. 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. You should mention your long term goals during your job interview to ensure you and your hiring manager are on the same page regarding your apprenticeship.

Keep in mind during your apprenticeship that your employer is incurring a timely and financial cost to train you. We recommend making yourself indispensable. For example, take on responsibilities abdicated by others. Consider yourself a student of every aspect of working in a salon. Even the menial labour that nobody else wants to do will prepare you for ultimate success.

2. Apply to be a Registered Apprentice

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 official record log in which your worked hours are tracked).

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

3. On-the-job hours

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).

4. Technical training

Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

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.

5. Testing

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.

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DON’T FORGET ABOUT GRANTS AND LOANS AVAILABLE!

• The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. You can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. The money would be available to help with tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages and to help support your family.
• The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, to a maximum of $2,000. This Grant helps registered apprentices get started in the designated Red Seal trades.
• The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a taxable cash grant of $2,000. This Grant helps registered apprentices who have completed their training to become certified journeypersons in the designated Red Seal trades.
• Canada Revenue offers a tax benefit for Tradespersons’ Tools Deduction . Apprentices may be able to deduct the cost of eligible tools bought to earn employment income as a skilled tradesperson.

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EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Hiring apprentices in your salon can be beneficial. Here are some FAQs employers have when considering hiring apprentices versus licensed hairstylists.

Can I hire an existing staff member as an apprentice?

Yes, for example, you may choose to promote your receptionist. Some people may even say that its a good idea to promote your receptionist/assistant/etc. This is because taking on an apprentice is a long term commitment and investment.

How much supervision is an apprentice required to have?

The supervisor has to be a certified hairstylist. This person will be a mentor and should have the qualities to mould the apprentice with correct technical skills and theoretical knowledge amongst other things.

Your apprentice must complete 1450 hours during their first period (12 months) and another 1450 hours on their second period (12 months)

You can stretch this out how it best works for you, but this works out to 30 hours per week on average.

Can an apprentice offer services at my salon before being licensed?

Yes, they can offer the services you teach them as they practice their skills. Your apprentice will have to enrol in technical training at some point during each period (start dates vary), but you can teach them the skills you want them to learn in the mean time.

What is the application process?

Your apprentice must apply online. There is a $35 apprenticeship application fee. After, you will receive an email asking you to complete the employer portion of the application.

A contract will be created from there which will be signed by both of you and voilà, you have an apprentice.

Find your apprentice!

You can use our job bank to search for your next apprentice!

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EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP