Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education
Exploratory – Hairstylist
Overview
Spend a lot of time watching hair tutorials or practicing fads on your friends? This program might be the perfect fit for you. In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) and Delmar College of Hair and Esthetics, students can participate in a free one-semester program to explore hairstyling and barbering. Students will learn from industry professionals and trainers from Delmar to prepare students for a future career in this exciting and versatile trade. The program will be taught by a licensed hairstylist who will focus on hands-on learning with some theory.
Students will learn:
- Hair styling techniques, texturing and braiding
- Hair care, shampoo, comb outs, and blow-dry techniques
- Long hair styling, up-dos and specialty styling (timed competitions)
- Perm design and Colour Theory
- Training in infection prevention control, earning the Barbicide Certification
- Training with Hair Design and Client Services
Students will earn industry recognized credentials in:
- First Aid
- Infection Prevention Control
- WHMIS
Program Benefits
- Skills, Training and Transition to Work
- Training by qualified and licensed Hairstylist and Barber Instructors
- Connection to potential work placements and post-secondary learning
- Completion of industry recognized safety credentials
Up to 7 Work Experience Credits
Student Eligibility
Open to all CBE high school students, who:
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Are in Grade 11 or 12 during the program
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Are minimum 16 years of age
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Are prepared to participate (required) as a client during hairstyling classes that may include having their own hair washed, styled, braided, straightened and rolled to ensure hands-on learning and practical experience for their peers.
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Will adhere to the Delmar College professional dress code during class time and when representing the course, including:
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full coverage (no low cut or midriff bearing tops allowed) black shirt with no logos, black or blue pants preferred. See the Delmar College student handbook for further details
Note: Students may be asked to remove or modify their manicures (long or artificial nails) during the program for hygiene, safety, and biological contamination reasons.
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Are mature, punctual and reliable, as this is an industry setting
- Are able to commit to the duration of the program and attend one of two cohort times
- Pre-requisite Courses:
- HCS 3000
- Course is available through the home high school Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor
- Ideally, pre-requisite courses are completed prior to applying, but must be completed within 2 weeks of being accepted into the program (before the program begins)
- Please note: As this course is introductory (concepts from COS10 and 20), preference will be given to students who do not have access to this type of programming at their home high school
Program Delivery and Location
Delivery
This course is offered in person.
Location
In-person learning at Delmar College’s brand new space for high school learners - 2nd Floor above the Delmar Barber School (200, 6016 3rd Street SW, Calgary)
Note: some classes may take place in a different building in the same area. A schedule will be shared with participants at the beginning of the program.
Workload
Semester 2 - Students can expect a total of 12 hours per week in person.
Summer - Students can expect a total of 40 hours per week in person.
There is minimal additional asynchronous work for either session, however, students may require some independent study time to prepare for assessments.
Timetable Requirements & Recommendations
Semester 2 - Depending on the cohort they are offered (AM or PM), students must have no morning or afternoon classes in their timetable at their home high school to accommodate this program.
Summer – This program is a full-time program and students must commit to the entirety of the program. Students may not be enrolled in any other summer school courses (work experience may be accepted) and must not be planning on travelling during the month of July.
Program Dates
- Summer | Month of July
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Semester 2 | February to May
- AM Cohort| Monday–Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 AM OR
- PM Cohort| Monday–Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Note: some classes may take place in a different building in the same area. A schedule will be shared with participants at the beginning of the program.
Considerations
- Students must have space in their schedule to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates.
- School year programs – consider your other required course work, school timetable, and extra-curriculars
- Summer programs – consider your other obligations and travel plans. This course should be considered a full time job.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-campus Coordinator or guidance counsellor or email
uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Credits are assigned based on attendance (every 25 hours = 1 credit). Missed classes result in fewer credits.
- For school year programs, students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate with both their CBE supervising teacher and course instructor regularly.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the
Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counselor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Program Partner

Application Deadline:
Application for Winter 2026 is available now!
Applications are due Friday, November 21st.