VCC skills training makes the cut

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Community College (VCC) students and staff today welcomed Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk to the newly renovated VCC Salon & Spa at the Downtown campus where he took advantage of his visit by getting a hair trim from one of the students.

“The newly renovated Salon & Spa will benefit current and future students at Vancouver Community College,” said Virk. “The new facilities and industry partnership will ensure that hair and beauty courses at Vancouver Community College are highly regarded within the industry.”

VCC is working to meet the growing demand for skilled workers and skills training and offers a range of advanced skills training programs including the popular hair design and skin and body therapy programs. The VCC Salon & Spa is open to the public year-round and home to students training in the hair design and skin and body therapy certificate programs.

“This salon and spa facility will provide comprehensive skills training to meet the growing demand for qualified hairstylists and spa professionals in B.C.,” said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, Shirley Bond. “This is one more example of how government is working with post-secondary institutions and industry to ensure British Columbians are first in line for jobs today and in the future.”

“VCC recognizes the need for skilled workers in B.C., and part of meeting labour market needs includes attracting and retaining students for a range of industries, including hair design and skin and body therapy,” said Kathy Kinloch, VCC president. “VCC’s Salon & Spa provides high-quality, lower-cost services to the community, while the hands-on training our students experience ensures they are ready to enter the workforce and meet the needs of employers.”

The new salon features increased student and client capacity and students are looking forward to working and learning in the new facility.

“I have an amazing instructor, my fellow students are encouraging, and the program is a life changing experience. I would recommend it to anyone looking to make their dreams come true by gaining new skills to get a good job,” said VCC student Venessa Krishna.

By commercializing salon and spa services at VCC, the students benefit from having real life clients in addition to benefiting the local with affordable haircuts and generating revenue for the college.

VCC is known for providing a range of quality salon and spa services from its downtown Vancouver campus and is excited to welcome current and future students, as well as valued clients, to this new, high-end facility. Renovations began in June on the existing hair salon and spa, with completion expected in the spa area by late October.

Media contacts:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250.952.6400

Kate Chandler
Vancouver Community College
778.893.1513