Apprenticeship Hairstyling Program

Diploma Course
Student Handbook

Download the full program guide including curriculum, policies and requirements.

Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act

Apprenticeship Hairstyling Program

NIWE Academy is Southern Alberta’s exclusive provider of AIT classroom training for registered hairstylist apprentices — entrusted by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to deliver the technical training program that puts you on the path to Journeyperson Certification.

NIWE Academy

Empowering Future Stylists

NIWE Academy is an officially designated training provider for Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) — delivering the exclusive 10-week technical training program for registered hairstylist apprentices in Southern Alberta. Upon successful completion, apprentices move one step closer to Journeyperson Certification, the gold standard credential in the hairstyling trade.

Meet the Mentor

Before orientation begins, get to know the experienced industry professional who will guide you through your diploma program — so you can walk in with confidence on day one.

Terri-Lee Quinn

instructor

Terri-Lee Quinn has 30 years of experience in hairstyling.

Apprenticeship Hairstyling Program in Calgary, AB

NIWE Academy is entrusted by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to deliver comprehensive technical training for registered hairstylist apprentices — our close collaboration with the apprenticeship authority means our program meets every industry standard required for your professional journey.
Over 10 weeks, apprentices gain hands-on expertise in the latest hairstyling techniques, salon management, client consultation, and more — guided by qualified instructors and industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities built for serious training.
Completing the program brings you one step closer to your Journeyperson certificate. For information on registering as an apprentice, visit the Tradesecret Website. Already registered? Apply now to secure your spot in NIWE’s next AIT training period.

0 Weeks

Intensive hands-on apprenticeship training

0 Hours

In-class, practical, and clinical experience

Entry Eligibility

To enroll, you must be a registered apprentice with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. If you’re not yet registered, visit the AIT website — you don’t need a sponsor to register or start classroom training.

Note: A sponsor (employer) is required to complete the 1,460 hours of on-the-job work experience per year needed to qualify for the provincial licensing exam and Journeyperson Certification.

First Period - 10 Weeks (350 hours)

Classes run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday

Topics covered:

  • Consultations
  • Haircutting
  • Styling
  • Tapers
  • Fades
  • Hot Shaves
  • Scalp Treatments

Apprentices will undergo theory and practical exams at the end of the 10-week period.

Second Period - 10 Weeks (350 hours)

Classes run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

Topics covered:

  • Styling
  • Perms
  • Chemical relaxers
  • Coloring & Lightening

At the conclusion of the 10-week period, apprentices complete theory and practical exams — a required milestone for progression in the apprenticeship program.

Start Dates & Tuition

  • Period 1: August 5th, 2025 to October 15th, 2025

  • Period 2: October 20th, 2025, to January 9th, 2026 (with a Christmas break in between where no classes will be held)

  • Period 1: January 12th, 2026 to March 20th, 2026

  • Period 2: March 23rd, 2026 to June 3rd, 2026

  • Period 1: June 8th, 2026 to August 19th, 2026

The out-of-pocket cost per period is $1,327, plus an $81 consumables fee. Ask our Admissions team about any AIT funding or employer support that may offset costs.

Next Steps

Ready to take the next step toward your Journeyperson Certificate? Apply for AIT classroom training at NIWE Academy and one of our Admissions advisors will guide you through the enrollment process.

Once enrolled, you’ll have access to NIWE’s state-of-the-art training facilities and online learning library — giving you every tool you need to succeed in your theory and practical exams.

Our instructors are with you every step of the way, from your first day of classroom training through to exam preparation. NIWE apprenticeship graduates go on to build successful careers across the industry — and you’ll join that community the moment you complete the program.

Frequently asked questions

NIWE Academy's Apprenticeship Hairstyling Program is the exclusive AIT-approved classroom training program for registered hairstylist apprentices in Southern Alberta. It prepares apprentices for their theory and practical exams and puts them on the path to Journeyperson Certification.

Period 1 covers consultations, haircutting, styling, tapers, fades, hot shaves, and scalp treatments. Period 2 covers styling, perms, chemical relaxers, and coloring and lightening. Both periods conclude with theory and practical exams.

This program is for registered hairstylist apprentices in Alberta. You must be registered with AIT to enroll. If you're not yet registered, visit the AIT website — no employer sponsor is needed to begin registration.

The out-of-pocket cost per period is $1,327 plus an $81 consumables fee. Ask our Admissions team about AIT funding programs or employer support available to registered apprentices.

You don't need a sponsor to register as an apprentice or begin classroom training. However, a sponsor is required to complete the 1,460 annual on-the-job hours needed to qualify for the provincial licensing exam.

Classes run Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for the full 10-week period.

Completing both periods fulfills the classroom training requirement for your apprenticeship. Combined with your on-the-job hours, you'll be eligible to write the provincial licensing exam and earn your Journeyperson Certificate.

Your Dream Career combined with your Dream Beauty School is Calling.

At NIWE Academy, we are dedicated to providing an unparalleled, world-class education in the beauty industy. Join the ranks of successful NIWE Graduates and be the future change-maker. Embrace the opportunity to achieve financial freedon and a rewarding work-study-life balance with a diploma or certification from NIWE Academy.