Apprenticeship is a proven method of training.
Hairstyling is a Designated Red Seal Trade. When an apprentice completes all requirements of the hairstyling apprenticeship, that individual is then eligible to become Red Seal Certified, a certification that is recognized across Canada and, once certified, is then eligible to be licensed with the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia and to practice Cosmetology (Hairdressing).

Apprenticeship is a proven method of training with a solid structure that supports and ensures the most current trends and techniques are taught. For every $1.00 invested in training an apprentice, employers across the country report an average return of $1.47. It is an investment in the future and protects your business from current or future skill shortages through building strong, capable, loyal in-house talent. 

Information and benefits for salon owners:

• Salon owners will interview and hire an apprentice who will train with them over a 2-year period.
• The apprentice then registers with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency listing their employer.
• The Master Hairstylist (Mentor) teaches the apprentice exceptional skillsets in hairstyling in the salon.
• Salon owners are eligible for financial incentives (i.e., Apprenticeship START Funding - between $15,000 and $20,000). Funding is distributed to the salon when the apprentice completes the initial registration, then when the apprentice completes Level 1 and Level 2 of the program.
• Apprenticeship on-the-job training has been proven to benefit salons, mentors, and clients. One-on-one skill development means the apprentice builds industry standard skills, while reflecting the professionalism and the unique culture of the salon. A salon can have more than one mentor as long as all mentors are Master Stylists and CANS & NSAA provide mentoring development and support.
• Mentors groom productive and confident team members with positive experiences who establish relationships and loyalty to the Salon and Employer/Mentors.

Information for hairstylist apprentices:

• Find a salon that is interested in hiring an apprentice for a minimum of 32 hours per week. Then, before March 31, register with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. Click the link below to register with the agency:

 Register for Apprenticeship Pilot

• Meet with an Industry Training Consultant who will provide advice and support on programming and financial support.
• Be mentored by a Master Hairstylist and receive an hourly apprenticeship wage (no less than minimum wage.)
• A Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) Master Instructor guides apprentices through 360 hours of self-paced online theory training and provides 4 weeks/240 hours of in-class practical and theory review (Spring 2022 and Spring 2023).
• Upon completion of all requirements and the successful completion of the Red Seal Exam, become a Red Seal Certified Hairstylist and be eligible for a CANS Cosmetology (Hairdressing) licence to practice in Nova Scotia.
• The goal is to be retained and/or rehired by the salon owner after certification and licensing.

Financial information for hairstylist apprentices:

• Apprentices can apply for up to $3000 in Government grants.
• Apprentices can apply for Canada Student Loans (up to $4000 per year).
• Apprentices apply for Employment Insurance while they are taking the 8 weeks (combined) of in-class training.

Make your future as an apprentice:

• Apprenticeship provides an opportunity for people who live outside of Nova Scotia to complete their education in Nova Scotia.
• An apprenticeship is a great option for newcomers to Nova Scotia who have experience in the industry (i.e., reception, marketing, assistant) and/or some skills as a hairstylist but not all the skills required for certification to become licensed.
• Please visit our website to learn more about the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at NSAA. https://nsapprenticeship.ca/diversity
• The hairstyling apprenticeship program is a great option for individuals to enter the industry who (for example):
  • are living in a remote area of NS,
  • may not be able to pay the full cost of tuition upfront,
  • need greater flexibility to accommodate family responsibility,
  • need to earn a wage while learning - preventing loss of income during study, or
  • are a member of an underrepresented group who may consider pursuing hairdressing as a trade.

If you have questions and would like more information regarding the Hairstyling Apprenticeship Program, contact Denise DeLong, Education Consultant, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency at 902-476-6439 (text or call) or e-mail denise.delong@novascotia.ca.