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Central Vancouver Island: Think Trades & Technology

Estheticians

Job Titles: Esthetician, Spa Attendant, Spa Technician, Nail Technician, Cosmetologist

What’s it Like?

This is definitely a “people person” career.

Estheticians help people to look and feel better, and to be healthier and happier. In the central Vancouver Island region, estheticians work in salons, spas and in self employment, sometimes in home-based businesses.

The work calls for people who are very professional as well as caring – a good esthetician has that unique combination of interpersonal skills and technical skills. As spas grow in popularity and as people are becoming more and more interested in health, the occupation of esthetician has become more oriented to health and well being. The occupation has several “streams” or specialties that can be pursued depending on skills and interests.

Estheticians may:

• Clean client’s skin and apply products to improve the condition of the skin
• Perform non-therapeutic massage
• Perform manicures, pedicures, facials and other treatments
• Promote skin care products
• Clean equipment and facilities
• Consult with clients regarding treatments and services

Money and Benefits

Estheticians in the central Vancouver Island region are paid a combination of wages, tips and commissions, making it difficult to obtain an accurate wage range.

Employers in the region report that most estheticians and spa attendants earn an average of $15 to $20 per hour with tips and commissions included. Entrepreneurial practitioners can significantly increase their earnings through self-employment.

Why We’re Betting on This

• The personal care field is growing rapidly – spas are becoming increasingly popular
• New spas and salons are springing up throughout the central Vancouver Island region
• Employers in the central Vancouver Island region are reporting a definite shortage of trained estheticians with good interpersonal skills
• Estheticians can usually find work wherever they are living
• The field offers both part and full time work
• When wages and tips are combined, the occupation can pay well
• Esthetician is a large occupational group with many employers in the region

Interested? Where to Start

Educational Requirements

While the occupation of esthetician is not currently a fully recognized trade in British Columbia, there is a long standing tradition of training and certification in the industry. Many practitioners and employers use voluntary certification as the minimum standard for entry.

Educational Institutions

The training varies depending on the institution. There is usually a difference between the training provided for spa attendant, spa technician and esthetician. In the central Vancouver Island region, both programs are offered by the following private institutions.

Sprott Shaw Community College

www.sprottshaw.com

Vancouver Island Professional School of Hair & Esthetics

www.vipschool.ca

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