Chinook's Edge launches a new program that gives students career training for hairstyling profession

Grade 11 and 12 Chinook’s Edge students, who are interested in exploring hair styling and barbering as a possible career, have access to a new opportunity. Starting on April 12, students began a program that will allow them to gain industry-level skills that are required of first-year stylists in their apprenticeship, and receive training from hairstylist journeypersons.

“We are excited to be launching this new program,” says Brianne Fletcher, Chinook’s Edge Career Connections Coordinator. “We believe this opportunity will give students who are interested in this career a chance to explore and understand what it will involve while they are still in high school. It will give students a head-start into the hairstyling career, and we anticipate it will also give them greater confidence to transition into post-secondary learning.” 

Fletcher says, “This program builds on what our high schools provide within their cosmetology programs, and expands the experiences of career skill learning to high school students throughout the division.”

Chinook’s Edge School Division has developed the program in partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF).

Students are beginning the program with seven scheduled days, throughout April, May and June, onsite at the École Olds High School Cosmetology Lab, where they will learn from Chinook’s Edge teacher and Red Seal hairstylist, Melony Cormack. 

In July and August, students will transition to Delmar College in Red Deer, and to Carrie Hannah, a Red Seal hairstylist. At Delmar College, students will learn and practice cutting, coloring and styling, men’s hair cuts and razor techniques, how to communicate with clients, and about the business side of running a salon. During July and August students will spend 17 full days on site at Delmar College. 

Chinook’s Edge School Division embarked on the development of this program as a result of a $100,000 grant from Alberta Education to update capital equipment in a skilled trades program. With the added support by TEPF to pay for the Delmar instructor costs, Chinook’s Edge launched this first-time offering of expanded training for students.

Tarina D., a Didsbury High School student, says,
“I signed up after my teacher told me about it and I thought it would be a good experience. I like that there is a lot of hands-on learning. I want to learn more about technique. This program will assist me in cosmetology learning to be part of my future career.” 

Beth A., a Bowden Grandview student, says, “I have been into cosmetology since I was little. We have a cos class at my school and my cosmetology teacher let me know about this opportunity. So far it’s been fun. I like that we got right into hands-on learning with hair. Learning about parting hair has been very helpful.”

“I was already in cosmetology and have expressed an interest in hairdressing as a career. My high school teachers mentioned this opportunity to me,” says Katie M., an Innisfail High School student. “I am nervous and excited about the program, and have been learning a lot fast! The feedback from Mrs. Cormack has been most helpful.” 

“Chinook’s Edge is pleased to be offering this program,” says Jason Drent, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services. 

Drent says, “Our experience and data shows us that giving students the chance to explore possible careers during their high school years results in very positive outcomes. We anticipate this program will help students understand what the hairstyling career is about, and build confidence for moving forward with it, if their interest in the career continues to develop.”