Media Release

Hairstylist apprenticeship a new option for VCC trades

VANCOUVER, B.C. – In celebration of Apprenticeship Recognition Week (Nov. 5 – 11, 2017), Vancouver Community College (VCC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new hairstylist apprenticeship pathway and Red Seal Endorsement (RSE). 

Starting in January 2018, students will have a new, streamlined option to enter a formal hairstyling apprenticeship through VCC. As in other trades, the hairstylist apprenticeship combines approximately 80 per cent on-the-job training with 20 per cent classroom learning. This allows students to earn money and receive professional mentorship as they complete their education.

Following the new pathway, students will complete 11 weeks of classroom learning followed by 3,600 hours of on-the-job training to complete the two-level apprenticeship. This provides an alternative to the traditional 10-month hairstylist certificate and leads to trade certification from B.C.’s Industry Training Authority (ITA). 

“People want to work, and they want to work straight away,” says Lucy Griffith, department leader for VCC Hair Design and Skin and Body Therapy. “Especially in rural communities, people can’t come to Vancouver for 10 months of school. With this 11-week apprenticeship option, they can go back to their communities and into their salons while still earning hours and continuing their education.”

Upon completing Level 2 of the hairstylist apprenticeship, VCC students will now also have the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized Red Seal Endorsement (RSE), giving them the option to work anywhere in the country without re-examination for provincial licenses. VCC is currently the only college in the B.C. Lower Mainland to offer an RSE in hairstyling.

“A Red Seal is hugely important for your career,” says Griffith. “It shows what kind of education you’ve been through and recognizes all the work that goes into becoming a stylist. This puts the profession on the world stage and in line with other trades.”

As required by the ITA, hairstylist apprentices must demonstrate a wide range of skills including cutting, styling, shaving, chemical treatments, and sanitation as well as customer service, marketing, and business operations.

As part of the formal apprenticeship system, VCC hairstylist students and sponsor employers will also now have access to government financial supports such as the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) and the B.C. Training Tax Credit. 

About VCC Salon and Spa 

Hairstylist apprentices receive their training in VCC’s full-service luxury salon and spa using the latest equipment, techniques, and products. Located in Downtown Vancouver, the VCC Salon and Spa is the largest Green Circle Salon in Canada, recycling everything from metal and plastic to chemicals and human hair.

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Media can contact:

Fareedah Rasoul Kim
Marketing and communications officer
Vancouver Community College
604.871.7000, ext. 7538
frasoulkim@vcc.ca