A COSMETOLOGY ASSOCIATION & NOVA SCOTIA APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY PARTNERSHIP
Hairstylist APPRENTICESHIP Program
 

Apprenticeship is now closed.

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Apprenticeship Pilot Update November 18, 2021 - Click Here

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.

For information about apprentice and employer financial supports, please visit
 https://nsapprenticeship.ca/employers-industry or e-mail Bill Michalos, Industry Consultant,
at bill.michalos@novascotia.ca.

Please click HERE for Hairstyling Apprenticeship Pilot - Trade Updates.
 
Cosmetology Association (NS)
128 Chain Lake Drive
Beechville, NS  B3S 1A2
Canada

Hours of Operation
Monday 8:30 - 4:00
Tuesday 8:30 - 4:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 4:00
Thursday 8:30 - 4:00
Friday 8:30 - 3:00

*Holiday or Weather closures/cancellations will be noted in the Calendar.
Office: (902) 468-6477
Fax: (902) 468-7147
Toll Free: (800) 765-8757

General Inquiries
info@nscosmetology.ca

Provincial Exam Information
jill@nscosmetology.ca

Executive Director
Dana Sharkey, CAE
executivedir@nscosmetology.ca 

Schools

Academy of Cosmetology
Hair, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry
33 Thornhill Drive, Unit 201. Dartmouth

Cape Breton Business College
Hair, Esthetics
93 Johnston Street, Sydney

CBBC - Halifax
Hair, Esthetics
1046 Barrington Street, Halifax
Eastern Esthetics
Nail Technology, Hair Removal, Eyelash Enhancements.
19 Crane Lake Drive, Halifax

Hair Design Centre
Hair, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry
278 Lacewood Drive, Halifax
Hair Masters
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology
26 Archibald Ave., North Sydney

Elevate Beauty Institute of Cosmetology
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Lash Technician
77 Crescent Drive, New Minas

NSCC Annapolis Campus
Hairdressing
50 Elliott Road, Middleton
NSCC Burridge Campus
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology
372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth

NSCC Marconi Campus
Hairdressing
1240 Grand Lake Road, Sydney

NSCC Pictou Campus
Hairdressing
39 Acadia Avenue, Stellarton