August 17, 2006 - 5:00pm
Ready to delight their future clients with their hair-sculpting skills, 13 students graduated from Malaspina University-College’s year-long Hairdressing Program, August 15.
The comprehensive program utilizes the Pivot Point training system to teach students scientific hair design techniques. Students also gain hands-on experience by serving clients in Malaspina’s hair salon, completing a four-week practicum, and have consistently excelled in provincial and national hair styling competitions.
Top students in the class shared multiple awards at the graduation ceremony. Katrina Montgomery, 19, received the Best Overall and Goldwell Cosmetics’ Colour Project award; Allisa Wright, 19, earned the Best Overall CTC, the Nova Beauty Salesmanship, and the Great Clips for Hair Customer Service awards; Dionne Schulz, 19, was given the Bruno’s Coiffures Achievement Award; Amber Radelja, 19, earned the JT Flair Salon Attendance award and the Kenco Supply Alumni award; and Mariah Hyatt shared the Goldwell Cosmetics’ Colour Project award and also received The Cutting Room’s Best Practical Skills award.
Also in the graduating class were Nicole Buchholz, Alison Kaminksi, Tina Josephson, Kadie Davison, Tabea Enns, Emily Moore, Jenna Frajman, and April Wreggitt. The graduation ceremony also included a memorial tribute to student Ashley Campbell, who passed away in June.
In addition to their styling skills, students learn about customer service and teamwork, said Pat Johnston, program coordinator. They also learn general life skills, through classes on professional development.
“I’m a new person,” said award-winning graduate, Wright, describing her experience at Malaspina. “The program was amazing.”
The hairdressing program has recently been condensed to 10 months, which means graduates will be returning to work faster.
Demand for hairdressers is high, said <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Johnston. Historically, 85 per cent of program graduates find employment in the field. Hairdressing is also a highly portable skill. Some students have travelled world-wide, Johnston said, and have represented Canada in international competitions.
The next class starts in September. Interested students should register immediately. For more information, go to http://www.viu.ca/calendar/TradesAppliedTech/hairdressing.asp.
Malaspina also offers one of the few Barber/Stylist certificate programs available in Canada. Some spaces are still available for this nine-month certificate program. For registration information, go to
http://www.viu.ca/calendar/TradesAppliedTech/barber.asp.
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