Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada Hairstylists
Acknowledgments Winnipeg Technical College and the Department of Labour and Immigration of Manitoba wish to express sincere appreciation to all contributors. Special acknowledgments are extended to the following individuals: Manola Barlow, Independent Contractor Mary Elliot, Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Barbara Parkin, Apprenticeship Training Coordinator, Competitiveness Training and Trade Branch Lee Ann Penner, Assessor, Winnipeg English Language Assessment and referral Centre Margarit Roger, Coordinator, Learning Assistance Centre at Red River College Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Winnipeg Technical College Funding for this project has been provided by The Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration. Disclaimer Statements and opinions in this document do not reflect those of Winnipeg Technical College or the project funder, Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration. The information is gathered from a variety of sources and is current and accurate as of the revision date noted. This information is subject to change and will not be further updated. It is the responsibility of the reader to seek current statistics and information. Please contact the Winnipeg Technical College at 989-6500 or www.wtc.mb.ca if you have questions about the contents of this document 2
Table of Contents Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Description--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Work Environment ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Language Requirements --------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Skills----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Main Duties-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 The Importance of Safety in Canada------------------------------------------------ 7 Employment Requirements------------------------------------------------------------ 7 Terms & Conditions --------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Earnings------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 Education/Training----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Career Paths -----------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Employment Opportunities -----------------------------------------------------------11 Professional Associations ------------------------------------------------------------11 References -------------------------------------------------------------------------------11 3
Introduction Hairstylists work in a variety of settings in Manitoba. Knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of hairstylists is necessary when thinking about enrolling in technical training. The information provided in this booklet will assist you in your studies and will increase your awareness of the roles and responsibilities of hairstylists. A detailed description of job duties, employment requirements, skills, education and training are all included in this package. Description Hairstylists cut and style hair and perform related services. They can be employed in salons or vocational schools as Hairstylists and/or owners. They can also be employed as platform artists, educators, or work in the theatre, film and television industry. Hairstylists are classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) #6271. Example Titles Hair colour technician Hairstylist Hairstylist apprentice Wig stylist Platform artist Educator Classified Elsewhere Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations (6482) Hairdressing teachers (in 4131 College and Other Vocational Institutions) 4
Work Environment Hairstylists require physical stamina because they work while standing for long periods. They also come into contact with various chemicals, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Language Requirements Hairstylists should be able to communicate clearly in English to do their job well. It is very important to employers that you have good oral communication skills so you can communicate with them as well as your co-workers and your clients. It is important to note that language entrance requirements and test requirements vary in different colleges. Contact the colleges to see what is required. Recommended Canadian Language Benchmark Levels for Hairstylists 1 Listening Speaking Reading Writing 6 6 6 5 Recommended TOEFL scores 2 Paper Based Computer Based Internet Based 550 213 80 For those individuals where English is an Additional Language (EAL), it is recommended that you take a Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test to determine your level of English, and to see which English classes are available to you. Contact the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre for an appointment: 1 www.gov.mb.ca Note: This occupation/training has been formally benchmarked. 2 These are the current TOEFL entrance requirements at some colleges. 5
Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre 400-275 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3 Phone: 204-943-5387 Skills Hairstylists require the following skills and abilities: An interest in personal grooming and appearance An understanding of the instructions and processes to apply various products An enjoyment of working with people and serving the public Good health, physical stamina to stand for long periods Manual dexterity, good colour vision and depth perception An interest in keeping up-to-date on new styles, supplies and technology Creativity Good listening skills and be willing and able to follow clients' instructions Basic record-keeping skills Basic math skills to understand measurements, mixing ratios and handling of money Do you have many of these skills? Main Duties Hairstylists perform some or all of the following duties: Recommend hairstyle compatible with client's physical features or determine style from client's instructions and preferences Cut, curl, wave, perm and style hair Apply lighteners, tints, dyes or rinses to change or enhance colour 6
Analyze hair and scalp condition, and provide basic treatment or advice on beauty care treatments Perform shampoos and scalp and hair treatments Train or supervise other hairstylist and hairstylist apprentices Do you think you would enjoy doing the work described above? The Importance of Safety in Canada Safety in the workplace is very important in Canada. If your employer finds out that you are not listening to the safety rules, you may be fired immediately. You need to be aware of safety and be conscientious in your work environment. It is your responsibility to ask questions when you don t understand. For more information: www.safemanitoba.com Employment Requirements All people practising hairstyling in Manitoba must hold either a valid apprenticeship permit or certificate of qualification issued by the Apprenticeship Branch, and a renewable authorization to practise. Terms & Conditions Most hairstylists (68%) work full-time, although a significant percentage (32%) work part time at 32%. Self-employment in this occupation is common (43%). Hairstylists may receive a commission and/or an hourly wage rate. Commissions paid vary from salon to salon. Self-employed hairstylists normally rent a chair from a salon owner, or are salon owners. 7
Earnings 3 $21,200.00.00 per annum - starting (Level one apprentice) $28,000.00 per annum - average $45,000.00 per annum high (Red Seal certified.) Education / Training Apprenticeship 4 A formal apprenticeship program (hairstylist) is available. To become a certified hairstylist in Manitoba, you must complete an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job (practical) experience and in-school (technical) training. You must find a qualified employer who will give you practical training and hire you. Approach this like any other job search. Remember that 80% of all job openings are never advertised. The employer must employ a certified journeyperson or a designated trainer who will mentor you throughout your on-the-job training. Once you have found an employer to hire you, you ll need to register as an apprentice. Either you or your employer must complete Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, which will require information and signature from both of you. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a work permit and study permit will also be required. To confirm specific details of your apprenticeship training, arrange to meet with the trade specific Apprenticeship Training Coordinator who will outline The length of the training program 3 These numbers reflect earnings in 2008. 4 www.gov.mb.ca/tce/apprent/index.html 8
The skills that must be learned The pay (wages) As you learn the skills of your trade, you are paid a wage that increases over the length of your apprenticeship. (See earnings for more information.) In the trade of hairstylist, apprenticeship training consists of two levels. Level One consists of a period of at least 12 months, during which the apprentice must complete 1,500 hours of in-school technical training and practical experience. Level Two consists of a period of at least 12 months, during which the apprentice must complete 1,500 hours of practical experience only. Your apprenticeship workplace training is 1,500 hours per year, for two years. If you are now working as a hairstylist, you may be able to receive credit for previous work experience and training. You should apply for this in writing with your employer and apprenticeship counsellor when your apprenticeship agreement is prepared. Apprentices, whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading. You should have grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing. However, if you do not have the required education standing and are at least 19 years of age, you may qualify as a Mature Student based on an assessment of your previous skills and training. The following private and public vocational institutions in Manitoba offer programs in this field: Private Academia Dei Capelli Advanced School of Hairstyling Classic Hairstyling Academy MC College, ltd. 9
Scientific Marvel School of Hairstyling and Aesthetics. The following is a list of public schools in Manitoba which offer the Hairstyling program. Some of these schools have spaces allocated for adult learners. Crocus Plains, Brandon Dauphin Regional, Dauphin Garden Valley Collegiate, Winkler HBO Norway House, Norway House Lord Selkirk Regional, Selkirk Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre, Winnipeg Miles Macdonell Collegiate, Winnipeg Portage Collegiate, Portage St. James Collegiate, Winnipeg R. B. Russell, Winnipeg R. D. Parker, Thompson Kildonan East Regional, Winnipeg Steinbach Regional, Steinbach Silver Heights Collegiate, Winnipeg Swan Valley Regional, Swan Valley Winnipeg Technical College, Winnipeg Career Paths Advancement opportunities include working in larger salons, managing salons, teaching in a hairstyling school or owning a business. Courses in hairstyling often also include elements of esthetics. Interprovincial Red Seal trade certification through the Apprenticeship program allows for mobility across Canada. 10
Employment Opportunities Employment opportunities for hairstylists are expected to be good in the period of 2008 to 2012. Employment in Manitoba in 2008 is estimated at 3,185. There is a fairly high turnover rate in this occupation, which, in turn, creates employment opportunities. Certified hairstylists with experience working in larger shops or management will have better than average employment prospects. A growing number of hairstylists choose to be self-employed by renting a chair in an established salon. Professional Associations Manitoba Hairstylists' Association, 501 Sargent Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1V9, (204) 775-8633, fax (204) 775-0420, www.manitobahairstylist.com Other Related Information Career Destination: Manitoba profiles of an individual in this occupation www.careerdestination.mb.ca References Manitoba Job Futures. Retrieved Sept. 11, 2007, from www.mb.jobfutures.org Manitoba Competitiveness Training and Trade. Retrieved, March 1, 2008, from www.gov.mb.ca/tce/apprent/trades/hairstylist.html Updated: August 2008 11