Trades in Alberta

On this page:

  • Apprenticeship Education Program 
  • Trades Qualifier Program 
  • Employment in the Trade 

Trades in Alberta

Hairstylist
Trade Profiles
About Designated Trades
    About Restricted Activities
Tradesperson Lookup Tool

Hairstylist

Hairstylists cut and style hair to suit the client's face and lifestyle; recommending home care maintenance to ensure each client always looks and feels his or her best.

2-Period Apprenticeship Program
Compulsory Certification

Apprenticeship Education Program

Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.

Credential
  • Certificate
Certification
  • Journeyperson Certificate
  • Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
  • 2 periods (levels) 
  • All periods: 
    • 1450 hours work experience per period
    • 10 weeks classroom instruction per period
    • Theory exam required
  • Each period designed to take ~1 year
  • Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
  • 10 weeks in all periods 
  • Offered at M.C. College and NIWE Academy Inc.
  • Entrance requirements:
    • English 10-2 and Math 10-3
    • or GED/CAEC
    • or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
  • 1450 hours in all periods
  • Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
  • Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
  • Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
  • Theory exam required to complete each period
  • Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates

Trades Qualifier Program

If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.

Work Experience Program
  1. Complete 36 months and 4350 hours of verifiable Hairstylist work experience.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Pass a practical exam ($75.00). 

Applicants holding a related trade certificate may be eligible for credit toward these requirements (see Related Trade Certificates for the Apprenticeship Education Program above).

Recognized Credentials Program
  1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Pass a practical exam ($75.00).

Employment in the Trade

As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.

Restricted Activities
  • Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
  • To perform restricted activities, you must be:
    • a registered apprentice or
    • a certified journeyperson or
    • hold a recognized trade certificate.
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
  • Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1). 
Recognized Credentials
  • If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta. 
Red Seal Endorsement
  • You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.