Learn the latest hairstyling techniques in cutting, styling, colouring, shaving, and chemical treatments, while working your way up to a Red Seal Endorsement.
Hairstylist Apprentice
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Customize haircuts on diverse textures of hair and style hair using thermal tools, including styling updos.
- Perform chemical services such as colouring, lightening, highlighting, colour correction, perming, straightening and smoothing.
- Apply and style hair extensions, wigs, and hairpieces.
- Analyze hair and scalp and recommend appropriate treatments to support client needs.
- Apply effective communication skills, evaluate common business models, and implement marketing strategies to promote salon services and products.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The technical training (Level 1: 300 hours, Level 2: 150 hours) generally takes 2 years to complete, alongside 3150 hours of work-based training. There is no maximum time to completion.
This program is offered in person at the VCC downtown campus.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- A valid SkilledTradesBC ID number
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Program options for international students can be found at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- Before applying to VCC, you will need an official apprenticeship number with SkilledTradesBC. Use this ID number when enrolling at VCC.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Program Considerations
- Program tasks require standing or walking on hard surfaces (e.g. concrete floors) for extended periods, often exceeding 5 hours.
- Program activities involve continuous, repetitive use of hands, wrists, and arms including cutting with scissors, blow-drying, and styling hair.
- Program tasks require students to differentiate colours accurately to assess hair colour and formulate appropriate hair colour treatments.
- Program environment includes a public-facing space with regular exposure to noise from blow-dryers, music, and conversations among clients and students.
- Program environment involves regular exposure to chemical products, including hair dyes, bleaches, styling agents, and aerosol sprays. Additional exposure may include solvents, adhesives, and disinfectants commonly used in a salon and spa environment.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants who have relevant work experience (in B.C. or elsewhere) or previous trades training may be eligible to write challenge exams for levels of technical training through SkilledTrades BC.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSAP 1100 | Hairstylist Level 1 Apprenticeship | 12 |
| HSAP 1200 | Hairstylist Level 2 Apprenticeship | 6 |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 0 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 3632 | |
| Student union | 145 | |
| College initiative | 53 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 73 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 235 | |
| Graduation | 0 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
Additional costs:
- Student mannequin kit - approximately $700
* A $200 non-refundable deposit is required if registering more than two months prior to the program start date, with remaining fees due two months prior to the program start date.
If registering less than two months prior to the program start date, full fees are due upon registration.
Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
All apprentice training is open for applications. Go to EducationPlanner BC and apply for the term that is open. You will be able to register in courses starting that term and future terms.
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† B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2018