The Access Program is an introduction into the world of Esthetics and Skin Therapy. It allows students a taste of what to expect if they proceed into the Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program. Students taking this course will be introduced to the history of esthetics, career opportunities, professionalism, hygiene, and safe practices. Learners will apply nail, skin, and makeup and massage treatments. The learners will practice treatments on their peers in a true to life spa environment. Learners will also comply with industry expectations around professionalism and will learn how to demonstrate professional behavior.

The Access Program is an introduction into the world of hairstyling. It allows students a taste of what to expect if they proceed into the Hairstylist Foundation Program. Students taking this course will be introduced to: using and maintaining the different types of industry tools, how to maintain a safe and hygienic salon environment including personal and public hygiene, how to shampoo and condition the hair and perform a scalp massage, an overview of the composition of hair and how to recognize possible disease and disorders. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of preparing hair techniques and the fundamental principles of colouring hair, including lightening products (bleach) and stages of decolourization. Learners will also comply with industry expectations around professionalism and will learn how to demonstrate professional behavior.

This 17 week course introduces the learner to the fundamentals prepares students for the skills required for future courses. Students will learn how to use and maintain tools, maintain a safe and hygienic environment with awareness of health and safety standards and regulations. In addition, students will learn service preparation and hair and scalp services. Learners will be introduced to the foundation of hair cutting techniques with a variety of cutting tools, styling techniques,dry finishing. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of colouring hair, permanent waving, how to assess client needs, analyze face shapes, recommend services, time lines and pricing and how to recognize possible diseases and disorders. Students will also be introduced to industry expectations around professionalism and will learn how to demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills with clients and coworkers.

This course builds on the topics introduced in Hairstylist Foundation 1. Students build on their prior knowledge and are introduced to new cutting techniques, using razor and specialty shears. Students will learn to use specific tools and techniques to perform texturizing methods such as thinning, slithering, point cutting, slicing and razor rotation. Learners will be introduced to new aspects of styling wet or dry hair, long hair preparation and styling, in addition to developing creativity and awareness of acceptable finishing results and client suitability. Students will also continue to build on their colour skills by learning multi-dimensional foil highlights and lowlights, virgin bleach application, lightening retouch and toner services. Additional permanent wave wrapping techniques such as specialty wraps and long hair permanent waving techniques will also be introduced as well as Keratin hair smoothing system and the different types of hair relaxers. In addition, students are introduced to the concepts related to owning or operating a salon and spa business such as branding, marketing, business plans, financial requirements, rental agreements, insurance, and human resources. Students will also have the opportunity to observe, learn and assist in a professional salon environment of their choice. The salon work experience will provide insight into the general salon functions, duties, roles and responsibilities of a stylist.

This course builds on the topics developed in Hairstylist Foundation 2. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of specialized services such as wigs, hairpieces and extensions. Students will explore the composition of the different types of wigs, hairpieces and extensions, the measuring criteria for fitting, maintenance and cleaning techniques. Students will also have a second opportunity to observe, learn and assist in a professional salon environment of their choice. Students practice learned skills as per salon requirements, review their career goals and develop self-marketing tools including a professional portfolio, practice interview techniques and create a resume and cover letter. Industry guest speakers representing salon franchises, corporations and salon owners will present their hiring criteria. In addition, during this 6 week course students will prepare for the final VCC practical exam and for their SkilledTradesBC Hairstylist Certificate of Completion theory exam.