Alberta
The province of Alberta only has two designated trades for beauty. Each designated trade has its own standards for a journeyperson certification set by the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades.
There are four pathways that designated trades can qualify for a certification:
- Apprenticeship – recommended for beginners in the trade as one can register for an apprenticeship program to learn and get certified.
- Work Experience – Those with experiences in the trade whether in or outside of Alberta can get their work hours verified by the board to take the certification examination.
- Recognised Credentials – Those with non-Alberta trade credentials that are recognised can qualify for the provincial examination.
- Alternative Recognised Training – Some designated trades may not have apprenticeship programs, and the board has requirements set to qualify for the examination.
On-the-Job Training
For the apprenticeship pathway, an individual must ideally first find a sponsor and create an agreement with them before starting the apprenticeship program. The sponsor serves as their “employer” while they are working and learning with them.
They can become a registered apprentice and attend classroom learning before having on-the-job training, but they may find the classes challenging. More information about sponsorship is detailed here:
Here’s a list of the beauty services in Alberta that are regulated and not regulated:
Regulated Beauty Services in Alberta, Canada:
Non-Regulated Beauty Services in Alberta, Canada:
Regulated Trade Skills in Alberta, Canada
Barber
Barbers’ main duties include shampooing, cutting, trimming, styling, shaving hair and many more. They are required to finish an apprenticeship program for 12 months with a minimum of 1,450 on-the-job training hours and 10 weeks of classroom learning. Successful completion of the program allows barbers to earn a Journeyperson Certificate and a Certificate of Achievement.
More training information is found here:
https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0425/
Hairstylist
Hairstylists cut, trim, style, perm hair, apply wigs and hairpieces and more. They must complete 2-year training with at least 1,450 hours of on-the-job learning and 10 weeks of classroom instructions per year. Upon training completion, they will earn journeyperson certificates and educational credentials.
Hairstylists can also take the Red Seal examination, and when successful, they can work anywhere in Canada.
Check out more details about hairstylist apprenticeship here:
https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/0424/
Non-Regulated Trade Skills in Alberta, Canada
Nail Technician
Alberta doesn’t have regulations for nail technicians, but having professional training is still an advantage for fast employment. Online and in-class learning is acceptable for interested learners.
Facialist
Facialists are considered estheticians in Alberta as estheticians provide multiple beauty services including facials. Currently, there are no licensing regulations for facialists or estheticians in the province. Individuals wanting to get professional education for facials from local or international training providers can do so.
Makeup Artist
Makeup artists in Alberta are not regulated, but some television studios and theatres only accept artists who are members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and require them to secure insurance.
However, for makeup artists thinking about freelancing, working in salons, building a home makeup studio or getting professional training online or anywhere is ideal.
Waxing Technician
Waxing technicians fall under estheticians in Alberta, so they are not regulated. However, it’s always an advantage to complete professional training for waxing either locally or internationally.
Lash Technician
Like many beauty trade skills in Alberta, lash technicians are not regulated. Aspirants can freely choose to get their lash education from any training provider anywhere around the globe.
Also, lash artists have the option to become a member of the National Association of Lash Artists, an international group recognised around the world to set regulatory guidelines for lashes.
Spray Tanning Technician
Spray tanning in Alberta doesn’t have provincial regulations yet. So, anyone interested in the trade can take professional training from any provider to master the skills. Online and in-person education is acceptable.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are another trade not regulated in the province. The Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta is still working on the preparation of the laws that will be set for massage therapists. Getting trained by a school or any training provider is a great start for a career in this trade.