British Columbia Beauty Services Degrees & Training

Beauty Services: Beauticians, Manicurists, and Cosmetologists Training in British Columbia

British Columbia career colleges and training programs

The province of British Columbia extends across Canada's west coast. Vancouver is the epicenter of both British Columbia career training and employment. In addition, the provincial capital Victoria offers public- and private-sector career opportunities.

British Columbia career training options

British Columbia boasts one of the highest rates of college completion in Canada. According to the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education's Campus 2020 report, 57.9 percent of the population has some post-secondary education, higher than the national average. British Columbia career colleges are committed to expanding access to higher education for all students. Currently, the region is served by a public higher education system and an array of private, British Columbia technical schools and career colleges. The public system, subsidized by the government, includes 11 universities, 11 colleges and three career institutes.

To expand access, British Columbia's Higher Education Board will develop new online education programs and expand capacity at public institutions. Affordable tuition is a key priority. For the 2010-2011 school year, the average annual tuition cost was $3048 for colleges and institutes and $4353 for universities.

Working in British Columbia

British Columbia's economy has diversified from its roots in forestry. Today, retail, professional services and construction drive the province's economy. Vancouver, British Columbia's largest city and a gateway to Pacific Rim trade, offers the broadest array of career opportunities. In addition to international trade, the city's main industries include technology, banking, film and tourism. Vancouver's R&D credits include developments in fuel cell technology and satellites. Major high-tech companies like IBM, Nokia, Microsoft and Intel have operation centers here. Vancouver's financial district is home to HSBC Canada and Vancity headquarters, among other financial services employers. The median household income in British Columbia was $66,700 in 2009, according to Canadian census data reported by CANSIM.

Hairdresser schooling leads to a fast-growing industry

While hairdressers or hair stylists often have a predominantly female clientele, barbers often have mostly male customers. Both have similar training requirements and job opportunities. Hairdressers usually attend beauty colleges where they specialize in hair styling and hair-related services. Additional training can lead to becoming a licensed cosmetologist who provides many types of beauty services such as for hair, nails, makeup, skin, and related products.

What can you learn at hairdresser schools?

Hairdressers learn the skills and information for a variety of beauty services:

1. Evaluating clients' face shapes for the most attractive cut and styling.
2. Evaluating scalp and hair health, shampooing, repairing chemically damaged hair, cutting and styling, doing weaves and highlights, styling and cutting mustaches and beards, and advising clients about hair care products and home care.
3. Expanding earning opportunities by learning how to clean, style, and fit wigs and hairpieces.
4. Some hairdressers learn to do manicures and pedicures to expand earning opportunities.
5. Managing salons including employees, finances, overhead, and product inventory.

Income and job potentials for hair stylists

Hairdressers work at an established salon or spa and then many start their own business. As an employee you can increase earnings by bringing new business to your employer. You can find job opportunities in resorts, spas, department stores, hotels, cruise ships, retirement and nursing homes, funeral parlors, as a platform artist or assistant for hair product companies, and in the theater/movie industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the mean hourly wage for hairdressers in May 2010 as $12.74 and their mean annual wages as $26,510. Enjoy hairdressing -- a creative occupation in a fast-growing field.

Beauty Services Career and Technical Schools in British Columbia:

Beauty Services: Beauticians, Manicurists, and Cosmetologists Training in British Columbia

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John Casablancas Institute of Applied Arts

For over 25 years, the John Casablancas Institute (JCI) has been widely recognized as the industry leader in providing job-ready training. With burgeoning careers as award-winning makeup artists, international fashion stylists, and cutting-edge hairdressers, graduates of the JC Institute continue to shine.

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Stenberg College - Surrey

Stenberg College utilizes the most current industry techniques and methods so that students just like you can enter the job market with relevant, sought-after skills. In direct consultation with the professional community, Stenberg College develops programs that are targeted at meeting industry demands, thereby giving our graduates the highest possible opportunity for employment and success.