Hairdressing Apprenticeship

If you are a hairstylist apprentice working in a salon and want to continue building your skills, you can work towards earning your Red Seal certification.  

The Hairstylist Apprenticeship program consists of:

• 3150 hours of on-the job experience
• 2 levels of technical training
• writing the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson-certification. Learn more about the Application Process for Apprenticeship Technical Training. 

Level 1

Level 1 is covered in VIU’s Hairstylist certificate foundation program.  VIU does not offer Level 1 as a stand-alone program.

Level 2 (13 weeks, part time)

Continue to work in the salon while you study:

• the program lasts for 13 weeks
• 12 weeks are offered online and you will need to dedicate 10 hours a week to it
• week 13 is face to face at the Nanaimo campus
• students write the Interprovincial Red Seal written exam at the end of week 

You will learn:

• use of tools and equipment
• cut diverse textures of hair using cutting tools
• cut facial and nape hair
• style dry hair
• lighten Hair
• perform colour correction
• practice business fundamentals

Why get your Red Seal certification?

National recognition

• shows that you have reached a consistent standard and competence
• you can work in any province or territory which makes it easier to move and find jobs anywhere in the country

Personal achievement

• it’s a significant professional milestone and gives you a sense of pride in your success
• shows your dedication to keeping high standards in your career
• makes you more trusted as a professional hairstylist

Professional credibility

• helps you get advanced jobs like a school educator
• promotes high training and assessment standards which raises the overall quality in the hairstyling industry
• leads to better service and happier clients