Trade Programs: Electrologist

This trade is compulsory. To legally work in this trade in Manitoba, you must either be a registered apprentice, a certified journeyperson with a valid authorization to practise in the trade.

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does an Electrologist do?

Under Manitoba's Electrologist Trade Regulation, a provincially certified electrologist is a person who performs pre-epilation treatments, electrolysis using galvanic and/or short-wave currents and post-epilation treatments for the purposes of removing unwanted hair.

An electrologist is trained according to standards established by the Apprenticeship Branch and industry to:

• discuss needs and preferences with clients and determine if there are any physical conditions that would make electrolysis unadvisable
• perform pre-epilation treatments
• provide electrolysis or thermolysis services or blend methods using galvanic and short wave electrical currents
• perform post-epilation treatments
• sterilize equipment and keep the work areas clean and sanitary
• perform reception duties and other salon management functions

What kinds of personal skills are needed?

Good customer relations and service are essential in this profession. You should enjoy working with and assisting people. You should also have:

• a conscientious and caring attitude
• an understanding of a client's privacy and well being
• strong organizational skills for keeping electronic or hard copy records of client needs and preference, and services provided

What is an Electrologist apprenticeship?

To become a registered apprentice, you must first be enrolled in, or have successfully completed training at an accredited institution.

The next step is to find an employer who will agree to provide practical skills development and enter into an apprenticeship agreement with you. After the Apprenticeship Branch registers the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, the apprentice must complete the required number of technical training hours (if they are still enrolled in an accredited training institution) and practical experience hours and pass any required examinations.

In the trade of an electrologist, apprenticeship training consists of one level or a period of at least 12 months, during which the apprentice must complete 1000 hours of technical training and practical experience.

What are the entrance requirements?

You should have high school diploma or equivalent academic standing. A complete high school education gives you a variety of career options, should you decide later to change occupations. To enroll in a electrologist program, you must be at least 16 years old.

If your strongest language is not English, you may want to have your English language skills tested before you take on the expense and challenge of training in this field. A Canadian Language Benchmark of 6 or higher is recommended for success when studying for and writing the compulsory Red Seal Examination that is needed to practice as a certified electrologist. For more information on Canadian Language benchmarks assessments, contact the Adult Language Training Branch.

Do I get a certificate?

After you complete the required hours and calendar time for your apprenticeship, you are eligible to challenge the Practical exam. The pass mark is 70 per cent. You can then write the Provincial Theory exam and must score at least 70 per cent to receive a Certificate of Qualification and an Authorization to Practise.

An Authorization to Practise, is renewed every two years. Your Certificate of Qualification and Authorization to Practise attest to your provincially approved training and skills and must be displayed at your work location.

What salary can I expect?

As stated in the Electrologist Regulation, your employer must pay at least minimum wage plus 10 per cent during your apprenticeship training. There is no maximum pay rate.

Earnings vary considerably depending on your location, services offered and the number of clients. Rates are usually set for each type of treatment so earnings including tips vary from day to day, depending on the type and number of treatments performed each day.

For current percentages and wages, download the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

This profession offers a degree of flexibility. Many electrologists work full time, while others choose to work part-time or have flexible hours. Electrologists are found working in private clinics, salons, and spas. Some advance to managing salons or eventually owning and operating their own businesses.