Trades in Alberta
On this page:
- Apprenticeship Education Program
- Trades Qualifier Program
- Employment in the Trade
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.
Becoming a certified hairstylist in Alberta differs from other skilled trades, with multiple pathways to certification. Apprenticeship training combines paid, on-the-job experience with 10 weeks of classroom instruction per period, delivered through M.C. College (Edmonton) or NIWE Academy (Calgary).
Alternatively, individuals can complete a recognized diploma program offered by several institutions across the province, which typically costs more and requires time away from work. Diploma graduates must still register as apprentices to complete required hours, though they may receive credit. Experienced workers can pursue certification through the Trades Qualifier pathway by meeting eligibility requirements and passing the required exams.
See the Hairstylist Apprenticeship Program Annual Update for an overview of the program in the 2025-26 academic year.
Apprenticeship Education Program
Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.
- Certificate
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
Trades Qualifier Program
If you have experience in the trade but do not hold an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, you may be eligible for the Trades Qualifier Program.
- Complete 36 months and 4350 hours of verifiable Hairstylist work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- 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).
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- 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.
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
- 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.
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.