BRIEFING REPORT REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO HARMONIZATION OF THE RED SEAL PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE HAIRSTYLIST TRADE

Transcription

1 BRIEFING REPORT REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO HARMONIZATION OF THE RED SEAL PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE HAIRSTYLIST TRADE December 22, 2014 Submitted to APGST by: North Pacific Inc Henning Drive Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6N3 (604)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Purpose of the Report 1 2. Project Background 1 3. Practical Assessment for Red Seal Endorsement 2 4. Hairstylist Practical Assessment Harmonization 2 5. Jurisdictional Features Implementers: Yukon 4 Alberta 6 Northwest Territories 7 Saskatchewan 8 Manitoba 9 Quebec 11 New Brunswick 13 Nova Scotia 15 Prince Edward Island 17 Newfoundland and Labrador Key Considerations - Non-Implementers: British Columbia 21 Ontario Observations and Conclusions Recommendations 25 APPENDIX A The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table 26 APPENDIX B Respondents 27 APPENDIX C Hairstylist Benchmarks 28

3 REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO HARMONIZATION OF THE RED SEAL PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE HAIRSTYLIST TRADE 1) PURPOSE OF THE REPORT This Briefing Report presents the findings of a documentary review of available publications (hard copy and web-based) and interviews with representatives from various Provincial and Territorial jurisdictions in Canada, both those offering and currently not offering a Red Seal Practical Assessment for Hairstylist trade certification. These activities were conducted by North Pacific Training and Performance Inc. as part of a contract with the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table. This Report s purpose is to identify common and variable elements of assessments in the various jurisdictions as well as the challenges and lessons learned across multiple jurisdictions in harmonizing the Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade nationally and to identify recommendations for other trades in moving toward national harmonization. 2) PROJECT BACKGROUND In February 2014, the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST) received funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to develop and pilot a voluntary, national mobile crane operator (lattice boom friction and hydraulic) demonstration of skills test (DOST) for Canada. Harmonization via the DOST will increase mobility for operators, reduce red tape for employers, lower costs for industry and jurisdictions, and improve workplace safety for all. A harmonized DOST standard will complement the existing Red Seal National Occupational Analysis (NOA) for mobile crane operators. APGST is working closely with the Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council (CHRSC) to execute this project. The CHRSC is dedicated to the harmonization of hoisting and rigging standards across Canada. North Pacific Training & Performance Inc. (North Pacific) was engaged by APGST to prepare this briefing report on the implementation of practical assessments for the Red Seal endorsement for the Hairstylist trade in Canada. Based on the experience of jurisdictions with the Hairstylist trade, North Pacific will provide recommendations for the mobile crane operator trade (and other trades) for developing and implementing harmonized practical assessment at the national level. North Pacific is a Vancouver-based firm, specializing in competency-based design and development of industry training and certification standards and systems. North Pacific has Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 1

4 completed several successful projects specifically related to mobile crane operator apprenticeship training and certification standards in British Columbia and Washington State. Under contract to the BC Industry Training Authority, North Pacific has also completed a series of consulting projects related to the development of occupational qualifications and apprenticeship training standards for the Hairstylist trade in British Columbia. 3) PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR RED SEAL ENDORSEMENT Since 2010, CCDA has been engaged in an initiative to review and recommend improvements to the Red Seal Program in Canada. The Strengthening the Red Seal initiative has been exploring enhanced standards and methods of assessment (additional to multiple-choice, written exams). Two pilot projects one for Cook and one for Heavy Duty Equipment Technician have demonstrated the value of implementing multiple assessment pathways to better meet both industry and candidate needs. The piloted assessment methods included Practical Assessments along with competency interviews and reviewing portfolios of evidence. In general, these enhanced assessment methods were proven to be effective in differentiating the actual skill levels of candidates. In a CCDA survey of over 1,300 subject matter experts (including tradespeople, employers, educators and labour representatives), Practical Assessment was favoured over all other forms of assessment as the single most important approach to competency evaluation for apprentices (by 41% of respondents, compared to 31% who preferred a written multiple-choice examination). Respondents rated Practical Assessment highest for both apprentices and trade qualifiers (challengers). Overall, there is strong support for the national standardization of Practical Assessment. 4) HAIRSTYLIST PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT HARMONIZATION In 1986, the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) put in place a policy statement (Policy 16.10) requiring practical assessment for the certification of two trades: Hairstylist and Welder. CCDA provided no criteria or standards to clarify this policy. In response, each Canadian jurisdiction offering the Red Seal Endorsement has offered some form of Practical Assessment requirement. In the case of the Welding trade certifications, two national standards organizations (the Canadian Welding Bureau and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers) offer practical standards definitions and assessments that were adopted (inconsistently) across the various jurisdictions. For Hairstylist, a variety of formats of practical skills assessment was put in place in each jurisdiction, varying from assessment by training providers as a part of technical training, to assessment forms completed by supervising Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 2

5 journeypersons, to assessment as part of licensing requirements by a trade association. While universal in their implementation and general intent, these assessments have been highly variable with respect to included competencies, standards of evaluation and overall reliability. In 2011, the Interprovincial Standards Examination Committee (ISEC) set out to harmonize the content and processes for Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade. Saskatchewan, as the lead jurisdiction for the Hairstylist trade, facilitated discussions and consultations, over a period of two years, to examine alternatives and to identify issues and challenges related to implementing a national Red Seal Practical Assessment. The prospect of harmonization met with significant resistance across the various jurisdictions for a several key reasons: Differing capabilities across various jurisdictions to implement, administer and maintain the infrastructure for providing Practical Assessments; For most jurisdictions, harmonization meant significant changes to what they already had in place and the attendant costs of re-tooling their systems; Differing industry structure and relationships among key stakeholders in the different jurisdictions (i.e.: the predominance of industry associations in the Maritime region); and Differing requirements for licensing and mandatory trade certification. The main problem they faced was that the lack of an agreed definition of what Practical Assessment is and how it should be conducted. ISEC members ultimately agreed to implement a set of Benchmarks (see Appendix C), tied to the Hairstylist NOA, that identifies the competencies to be included in Practical Assessment and includes basic assessment standards. Each jurisdiction must demonstrate that they meet or exceed all of the Benchmarks in conducting their Practical Assessments. ISEC members acknowledge the concept and development of benchmarks as a breakthrough solution to their consensus challenges. Given they each had an interest in implementing a harmonized approach to Practical Assessment, the Benchmarks capture the core and common competencies and represent a credible standard for certification of newly trained journeypeople. The Benchmarks have now been adopted and successfully implemented in most jurisdictions (excepting in B.C. and Ontario). Currently, there are no commitments on a national level to move any further toward a harmonized Practical Assessment for Hairstylist than what these Benchmarks represent. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 3

6 5) IMPLEMENTING JURISDICTIONS KEY DIFFERENTIATING FEATURES YUKON The information presented below was gathered via correspondence with a representative of Yukon and via documentary research. No interview was conducted. The training program and certification standards for the Hairstylist trade in the Yukon are directly linked to and dependent upon the Alberta Industry and Training program, under the Alberta Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education. Yukon uses the Alberta curriculum and the Alberta exams and practical assessment for Hairstylist. YUKON PA Administration Yukon uses the Alberta practical examination. Most apprentices complete the practical assessment as a part of their technical training while in Alberta. Training providers administer the practical assessment as a part of technical training. Apprenticeship Yukon only administers the practical assessment if an apprentice needs to re-take a test or challenges as a trade qualifier. Apprenticeship Yukon has also administered the test to a small group of students for whom Hairstylist training was part of their high school equivalency in the Independent Learning Centre. Licensing Not Required. Hairstylist is not a mandatory trade in Yukon and the trade does not require certification or licensing. Assessors When required, Apprenticeship Yukon contacts an assessor who arranges with the apprentice to set up a time for the assessment. Apprenticeship Yukon identifies an industry representative to act as the assessor. The assessor must have at least 5 years of industry experience and a Red Seal endorsement. Only one apprentice at a time generally takes the test. Apprenticeship Yukon pays the assessor an hourly fee for which the assessors submit an invoice. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 4

7 YUKON Location(s) for PA Pre-requisites for PA Training providers administer the exam at the end of technical training in Alberta. If necessary, Apprenticeship Yukon uses a salon in Whitehorse (not the candidate s work site). Apprentices: Successfully complete technical training - first period (1,400 hours) plus second period (1,400 hours), plus Required work experience, plus Pass the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam For Trade Qualifiers (Challengers): Application process, plus Training certificates and/or trade qualification certificates, plus Required hours of work experience (4,200 hours) Trade experience validation form signed by employer(s) Assessment Process Practical Assessment is 5.5 hours, limited to a maximum of 6 hours. An overall mark of 70% is required to pass. Within Yukon, the ratio is one assessor per candidate. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 5

8 ALBERTA The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. We made contact with a jurisdictional representative of Alberta. However, they specifically refused to participate unless and until directed to do so by CCDA. Certification of Hairstylists in Alberta is governed by Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board (AITB), under the authority of the Alberta Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education. The AITB s primary responsibility is to establish the standards and requirements for training and certification for programs under the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act. Alberta s apprenticeship and industry training system relies on a network of industry committees, including local and provincial apprenticeship committees in the designated trades, and occupational committees in the designated occupations. Standards are developed with guidance from the local and provincial Hairstylist Apprenticeship Committee members. ALBERTA PA Administration AITB staff administer and invigilate the Practical Assessments for Hairstylists. Licensing Hairstylist licensing in Alberta is mandatory. Assessors Costs of PA N/A Candidates pay $75 for the Practical Assessment. Subsequent attempts are also $75. Frequency of PAs In urban centres, the PA is available weekly. In other locations, it is offered on a demand basis. Approximately 1,150 candidates attempt the PA each year. Location(s) for PA Pre-requisites for PA Assessment Process The PA is offered in 8 locations across the province. Candidates must successfully complete their technical training plus 2800 hours of documented work experience. The Hairstylist Practical Assessment takes 5.5 hours to complete. A minimum of 3 trained Assessors is required to conduct a PA, with a ratio of approximately 1 Assessor for every 6 candidates. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 6

9 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Northwest Territories. Certification of Hairstylists in Northwest Territories is governed by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), through the Advanced Education Division. The ECE appoints members to the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification Board (ATOCB). Standards are developed under the guidance of the ATOCB. NWT PA Administration Licensing Practical Assessments are administered by the ECE. Licensing is voluntary. Hairstylist is not a mandatory or regulated trade in Northwest Territories. Assessors Practical Assessments are conducted by a team of three specially trained subject matter experts. Costs of PA Registered Apprentices pay $200 for the Practical Assessment, with the costs of travel and accommodation being covered by Government of the Northwest Territories. The cost for subsequent attempts remains $200, but sponsorship of expenses is not available. Frequency of PAs Practical Assessment is available only once or twice per year, depending on demand. Location(s) for PA Practical Assessment is available only in Yellowknife. Pre-requisites for PA Candidates must pass the Red Seal examination before applying for the Practical Assessment. Assessment Process The duration of the Practical Assessment is approximately 6 hours. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 7

10 SASKATCHEWAN The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of Saskatchewan, via correspondence and via documentary research. Hairstylist certification in Saskatchewan is governed by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATC). Standards are developed under the guidance of the Hairstylist Trade Examination Board, and reviewed and approved by SATC. SASK PA Administration The SATC administers and invigilates the PA. Licensing Hairstylist licensing is mandatory in Saskatchewan. Assessors Costs of PA The Hairstylist Trade Examination Board provides markers for the assessment. The apprenticeship fee is $150 and includes the first attempt at the written and practical assessment. Trade Qualifier (Hairstylist) fee us $250 and includes the first attempt at the written and practical assessment. Subsequent attempts for both groups are $160. Frequency of PAs Approximately 25 PA testing sessions are scheduled in a typical year. Location(s) for PA The PA is offered in five locations around the province: Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Estevan. Pre-requisites for PA Candidates must successfully pass the Red Seal written examination before applying for the PA. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 8

11 SASK Assessment Process The duration of the PA is 6.25 hours, plus breaks. The morning segment is 3 hours and 15 minutes, while the afternoon is 3 hours. A lunch break is provided. A minimum of 3 Assessors (Certified Hairstylist Markers) participate in each PA, for each group of minimum 7 candidates. MANITOBA The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Manitoba. Certification of Hairstylists in Manitoba is governed by the Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification Board (MACB). The Board is comprised of five Employers, five Employees, one Apprentice and two members of the public; all of whom are appointed by the Province. Standards are developed under the guidance of the Provincial Advisory Committee for the Hairstylist trade, and reviewed and approved by the Manitoba Program Standards Standing Committee, a committee of the MACB. MANITOBA PA Administration Licensing Assessors The Practical Exams are scheduled and administered by the Private Vocational Schools and conducted by an Apprenticeship Manitoba appointed Examiner. Mandatory There are 17 Practical Examiners trained and certified by Apprenticeship Manitoba. The examiners are appointed and paid for by Apprenticeship Manitoba. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 9

12 MANITOBA Costs of PA Waiting Periods Frequency of PAs Location(s) for PA Pre-requisites for PA Assessment Process Candidate Results of PA The PA is considered as part of the technical training which is entirely delivered by Training Providers accredited by Apprenticeship Manitoba (Private Vocational Institutions and public high schools). The cost of the PA is included in the tuition paid to the school by the candidate. Candidates who are required to re-take the PA, or any component of it, pay $ Trades qualifier candidates or challengers pay $ Candidates who fail more than twice are advised to seek upgrading on the components failed. Generally they are scheduled at the completion of the technical training. There is at least one a month all year. In 2013, there were 481 full exam candidates and 66 partial exam candidates. Generally the schools handle their own clients. 20 different schools are accredited. Completion of Technical Training Program 1,400 hours Candidate provides models (one male, one or two female) and performs specified tasks in time limited segments. Examiner scores a maximum of 100 points for each task (section), separated into weighted performance criteria. All tasks are mandatory. PA duration is approximately 7 hours. The ratio is no more than 8 full examination candidates and 2 partial examination candidates per examiner, assuming that the school has sufficient equipment stations. Section scores are averaged for a final percentage mark. Failure of a section requires retesting of that section only. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 10

13 QUEBEC The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Quebec. The Professional Hairdresser or Barber standard for Quebec is reviewed and approved by the Sectoral Workforce Committee for personal care services which is named by the Commission of Labour Market Partners under the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity. Training and certification for Hairstylists is available in Quebec via the Diploma in Hairdressing (DEP) program. Licensing QUEBEC Licensing is voluntary. Hairstylist is not a mandatory or regulated trade in Quebec. Assessors Skills assessment is carried out by an expert assessor or evaluator designated by the Sectoral Workforce Committee. Location(s) for PA Practical evaluation is conducted either in the workplace, in a simulated context, or in a specific production environment. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 11

14 QUEBEC Pre-requisites for PA There are two programs that qualify Hairstylist candidates for the Practical Assessment to evaluate or to recognize their skills: The ALMP (apprenticeship program in the workplace) is essentially a classic apprenticeship program and is managed by Emploi-Québec, leading to a Certificate of Qualification. The RCMO (recognition of workforce skills) is a challenge program for experienced hairdressers, whether employees or self-employed. The eligibility requirements for practical assessment include passing a theoretical written examination, plus: Completion of the DEP in a publicly-funded college program and three years of industry work experience Completion of a private training provider program and four years of industry work experience No degree / training and five years of industry work experience. Assessment Process Assessment for certification includes both a theoretical and a practical examination. Following these reviews, the expert appraiser or evaluator produces a report confirming the mastered skills and indicates, if appropriate, those that are missing. Duration of the practical assessment is approximately a half-day. The skills assessment rules are established by Sectoral Workforce Committee for Hairstylist. Assessment for certification includes the following components: competency interview; theoretical knowledge examination; review and analysis of portfolio of experience; practical evaluation of competencies. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 12

15 QUEBEC Candidate Results of PA To pass the practical assessment, the candidate must demonstrate that they have mastered all the essential skills covered by the professional standard. Those who have not mastered all the essential skills covered by the professional standard can receive a certificate of competence for those they can demonstrate. Subsequently, they can acquire the missing skills and get the CQP. NEW BRUNSWICK The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of New Brunswick, via correspondence and via documentary research. The Hairstylist trade in New Brunswick is governed by the New Brunswick Apprenticeship Board (NBAB). Licensing of Hairstylists is governed by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick (CANB), a self-governing, regulatory authority. The CANB is the sole licensing and regulatory body for New Brunswick Hairstylists. Apprenticeship training is not available for the Hairstylist trade in NB. (Certification only) NB PA Administration The Practical Assessment is provided by CANB Examining and Licensing Committee. The Committee consists of: Five licensed cosmetologists elected by the membership of the Association; and Four members appointed by the Board of Directors. The members of the Committee elected by the membership of the Association may not be owners of schools of cosmetology or instructors in schools of cosmetology. NBAB does periodic checks to ensure that all the Benchmarks are being met. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 13

16 Licensing NB Hairstylist is a voluntary designated trade under the NB Apprenticeship Act. Apprenticeship training is not available for the Hairstylist trade in NB. (Certification only) Under a private member s bill, licensing by the CANB is mandatory in New Brunswick. To become a licensed Hairstylist, students must write the CANB Licensing Exams, including a Practical Assessment. The NBAB accredits the CANB Practical Assessment as meeting the benchmarks, as required. Candidates must take training recognized by CANB and pass the CANB practical and written exams prior to receiving a license from the association. Licensed Hairstylists may then challenge the Red Seal Endorsement by applying to NBAB to write the Red Seal written examination. NBAB recognizes the CANB license, together with the work experience hours required, as a pre-requisite to challenging the Red Seal. Costs of PA Candidates pay $100 for the first attempt Practical Assessment. For subsequent attempts, candidates pay $20 for each element of the Practical Assessment (to a maximum of $140) they must re-take. Waiting Periods Candidates must wait 30 days between Practical Assessment attempts. Frequency of PAs The Practical Assessment is offered on demand, but at least three times per year. Candidates are given 30 days notice of scheduled opportunities. Location(s) for PA The Practical Assessment is offered only at the office of the CANB in Fredericton. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 14

17 NB Pre-requisites for PA Pre-requisites are defined by CANB. Candidates must complete a recognized training program and apply for the Practical Assessment by submitting: Proof of having completed no less than 1600 hours in no less than 43 weeks in a licensed school under the direct supervision of a Certified Hairstyling Instructor, A certified copy of their diploma or certificate from the training institution, Proof of employment in the trade, Birth certificate or driver s license as proof of identity, The required fee(s) NOVA SCOTIA The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Nova Scotia. The Hairstylist trade in Nova Scotia is governed by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Licensing of Hairstylists is governed by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia (CANS), a self-governing, regulatory authority. The Association is the sole licensing and regulatory body of Nova Scotia Hairstylists. NOVA SCOTIA PA Administration Licensing The Practical Assessment is administered by CANS. Licensing is mandatory. A practicing hairdresser must be licensed with CANS. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 15

18 Assessors NOVA SCOTIA Assessors are trained and certified by CANS. Assessors must hold a current Master Cosmetologist or Master Cosmetologist Instructor License, be currently active in the industry for 5 years and meet any other requirements as specified by CANS. Assessor may not be employed at a school. All examiners are required to evaluate each student completing the examination. Costs of PA The total cost for the Red Seal Examination and the CANS Practical Examination is $ Pre-requisites for PA To obtain a Nova Scotia Cosmetology license, candidates must complete 1,500 hours of theory and practical instruction, successfully pass the Red Seal written examination and pay the fees. Students trained for a minimum number of hours in a registered school or college offering Cosmetology program(s) as outlined in the Act and By-Laws Out of province or out of country applicants (Not all applicants need to write the provincial exam.) Assessment Process The Practical Examination pass mark is 70 per cent. Candidates who fail any component or phase / service of the examination may apply to be re-examined on the next available scheduled practical examination date. Duration of the Practical Examination is four to five hours. Candidates have one year from passing the Red Seal Examination to successfully complete the Practical Examination and a maximum of three opportunities to pass. During this year, they can obtain a Temporary Work Permit to allow students to be employed in a salon or spa after successfully completing the required number of training hours. A Permit cannot be issued until all documentation has been filed with CANS. Candidate Results of PA Candidates receive their Practical Examination results after approximately four to six weeks. Results are mailed out and will not be discussed by phone. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 16

19 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of Prince Edward Island, via correspondence and via documentary research. Certification of Hairstylists in Prince Edward Island is governed by the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning (DIAL) Apprenticeship and Training Section (ATS). Apprenticeship technical training is not provided by DIAL in PEI. Standards are developed in consultation with the PEI Hairdressers Association (PEIHDA) and are reviewed and approved by ATS. The PEIHDA is incorporated under the laws of the Province of Prince Edward Island. The Association receives its authority from the Hairdressers Act. The Association was incorporated in 1959 and has faithfully served the hairdressing profession since that time. The primary areas of responsible are: licensing of hairdressers, inspection of salons, and promotion of the hairdressing profession. PEI PA Administration Licensing Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Apprenticeship and Training Section Hairstylist trade certification is not mandatory in PEI. However, in order to work in PEI, hairstylists must be licensed by the P.E.I. Hairdressers Association. Assessors Pre-requisites for PA Assessors are trained and certified by the PEIHDA. Candidates must complete in full the Application for Interprovincial Examination. Candidates must have the required number of hours to be eligible for certification as stated on the Application Form. Candidate and a certified journeyperson must sign the Record of Work Experience and Competencies Achieved Form. Each employer listed on the application form must complete in full and sign the Employer Declaration Form. Candidate must also be a member in good standing with the PEI Hairdressers Association. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 17

20 PEI Assessment Process Training for Hairstylist takes approximately three years and is completed in three stages: student, apprentice and finally, junior beautician operator. Students must obtain 1,250 hours of practice either in a school or in a salon with a licensed operator and pass a PA. Successful students then become apprentices. Apprenticeship technical training is not sponsored or provided by DIAL in PEI. Apprentices must complete 2,000 hours of practice and pass a second PA. The final stage of training, junior beautician operator, requires an additional 2,000 hours of practical experience. Once this stage is completed, hairstylists may become licensed. NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of Newfoundland and Labrador, via correspondence and via documentary research. Certification of Hairstylists in Newfoundland and Labrador is governed by the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Division (ATCD) of the Provincial Department of Advanced Education and Skills. Standards are developed under the guidance of the Provincial Training Advisory Committee (PTAC) for the Hairstylist trade. Members of the PTAC are appointed by the ATCD and include two representatives from training institutions (1 public, 1 private), two employeerepresentatives (journeypersons), and two employers. NFLD PA Administration Licensing Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Division (ATCD) administers the Practical Assessment. Licensing is voluntary. Hairstylist is not a mandatory or regulated trade in Newfoundland and Labrador. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 18

21 Assessors NFLD Assessors are selected, trained and certified by the ATCD. Assessors may be members of the PTAC. Assessors are certified journeypersons with at least three years of experience working in the field, with a broad knowledge of their trade. As part of their Assessor training, they shadow senior assessors during actual assessments. Coaching / mentoring by more experienced Assessors is available. Costs of PA For a registered apprentices who meet all eligibility requirements, there is no cost for Practical Assessment conducted immediately following completion of classroom training program. Otherwise, the fee varies and is established by the institution delivering the practical examination. For trade qualifiers, a $150 administration fee is charged by the Province. This fee is in addition to the variable fees established by the institution delivering the practical examination. Trade qualifiers must pass the Practical Assessment before writing the Red Seal Examination. Waiting Periods For an unsuccessful candidate, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before any subsequent attempt. If a candidate is unsuccessful more than once, additional training is mandatory, as prescribed. Location(s) for PA The Practical Assessment is administered at a college location in a salon-type environment. There are three Practical Assessment sites in the Province, one each in Greater St. John s Region, Gander, and Corner Brook. No Practical Assessment is provided in any particular assessment center or at a candidate s work site. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 19

22 NFLD Pre-requisites for PA For Apprentices: Completion of all criteria to be eligible for Red Seal Examination and payment of fees. The apprentice must pass the Practical Assessment to become eligible to write the Red Seal Theory Examination. For Trade Qualifier: After approval of required work experience hours, Trade Qualifiers must pass the Practical Assessment to become eligible to write the Red Seal Theory Examination. If successful in the certification examination, a Certificate of Qualification is issued to the Trade Qualifier. Assessment Process An ATCD Program Development Officer schedules and completes logistical requirements for the day of Practical Assessments, which is scheduled to coincide with the end of training at each training provider site. The duration of the Assessment is 6 hours. The ratio of assessors to candidates is approximately 2 to 10, and as many as 3 to 15. All assessors will assess each candidate. Assessors independently mark a scoresheet for each candidate for each component of the exam. A facilitator appointed by the ATCD (usually a staff member from the Division) averages the scoresheets for each candidate and produces the result. There are seven components/parts in the practical exam to cover each benchmark. If the candidate is unable to pass one component, they will be given one more attempts to complete the component. This will be done outside the 6-hour window. However, if they fail three parts, they will not be allowed a reattempt the same day. Candidate Results of PA Each component is individually scored with a pass mark of 70% - some are timed with penalties for excessive time taken. Comments are recorded to provide constructive feedback to candidates, particularly if a candidate is unsuccessful on one or more sections of the Assessment. All comments are recorded on file and candidates are allowed to have access to their file. Candidates are notified of their results immediately at end of exam. Most candidates attempt the written exam within a week of passing the practical exam. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 20

23 6) NON-IMPLEMENTING JURISDICTIONS KEY CONSIDERATIONS BRITISH COLUMBIA The information presented for British Columbia is provided by Dan McFaull, a consultant with North Pacific who has been actively working on standards development for the Hairstylist trade in British Columbia since British Columbia has not offered the Red Seal Endorsement for Hairstylist since 2003, when the former Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission (ITAC) was dissolved and eventually replaced by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). Until 2003, Hairstylist had been an occupation for which trade certification was mandatory. Since 2003, certification has been voluntary for B.C. Hairstylists. Since 2010, ITA has been working actively toward re-instating the Red Seal Endorsement for the Hairstylist trade. To date, a committee of industry representative subject matter experts has agreed to a new set of program competency standards that are in alignment with the National Occupational Analysis for Hairstylist. Also, an Advisory Committee of training providers has agreed on a Credentialing Model for the trade that includes a Practical Assessment for achieve a Certificate of Qualification for the trade These standards revisions have been presented to the Standards Review Committee of the ITA and are currently under review for possible approval. There are several considerations that influence the ITA s decision specifically regarding implementation of the Practical Assessment, including: The costs and logistics of effectively and efficiently offering opportunities for Practical Assessments that will be accessible to all candidates across the breadth of the province, in both urban and smaller centres; The challenges of recruiting, selecting, training and providing oversight of Assessors to ensure the reliability, consistency and integrity of assessments across the province; The urgent priorities of other occupational and trades certification program opportunities, given a fixed program development budget; and The historically poor completion rate for apprentices registered in the Hairstylist program in B.C. raises the question of whether there will significant demand for Red Seal certification; Currently, the ITA has postponed any further decision on implementing standards revisions for Hairstylist until the fiscal year beginning in April Any decisions made early in the new fiscal year to implement program changes (including a Practical Assessment) would not likely be fully implemented any sooner than Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 21

24 ONTARIO The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of Ontario and via correspondence. Hairstylists must be certified to work in Ontario and be a member of the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT). The Ontario government regulates this trade via the Apprenticeship and Certification Act (1998). Ontario has in place a Practical Assessment that is required for candidates who wish to challenge the program standards without participating in an apprenticeship (trade qualifiers). The Hairstylist Trade Board of OCOT has reviewed this assessment in light of the competencies included in the CCDA Hairstylist Benchmarks and determined that all benchmarks are adequately covered. The Trade Board has recommended that the existing assessment be adopted as mandatory to gain a Certificate of Qualification in Ontario, and that apprentices be required to pass the Red Seal written examination before attempting the Practical Assessment. Currently, OCOT is planning to implement a Red Seal Practical Assessment at some point in Their considerations are similar to those of B.C. in planning for implementation of a new assessment requirement. The costs and logistics of effectively and efficiently offering opportunities for Practical Assessments that will be accessible to all candidates across the breadth of the province, in both urban and smaller centres; The challenges of recruiting, selecting, training and providing oversight of Assessors to ensure the reliability, consistency and integrity of assessments across the province; The urgent priorities of other occupational and trades certification program opportunities, given a fixed program development budget; and Unlike B.C. where trade certification is voluntary and the apprenticeship completion rate is low, OCOT is concerned about meeting the demand for Practical Assessments, given the high number of apprentices that will want to complete their trade qualifications. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 22

25 7) OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on the experiences shared by key jurisdictional representatives who were involved in the harmonization of Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade, and on a comparison of features of current Practical Assessment components and protocols across the various jurisdictions, we make the following observations and draw these initial conclusions: The variable capability, among jurisdictions, for implementing and maintaining a harmonized form of Practical Assessment was a key challenge for the Hairstylist trade. The needs and interests of industry vary across the jurisdictions. These were effectively brought to light through consultations with key stakeholders and were invaluable in ultimately agreeing on the Benchmarks. Industry was given a strong voice in consultations related to harmonizing a Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade. ISEC maintains an open and transparent process for consensus building with stakeholders in each of the jurisdictions, with checklists and assessment criteria shared publicly for candidates and employers to review. Industry associations, many well entrenched within their jurisdiction, proved to be powerful and able to play an effective role in training and certification, as well as licensing. Where present, the opportunity exists to effectively engage them in supporting (and even providing) Practical Assessment. The development of Benchmarks, allowing each jurisdiction a degree of freedom in implementing their own form of Practical Assessment, provided the ultimate basis for harmonization. While the Benchmarks represent the common core of Practical Assessment in each jurisdiction, the latitude allowed has produced considerable variation in other features, including: o o o o o o competency challenges (assessment elements added), duration (from 3.0 to 6.5 hours), administrative mechanisms (industry associations, training providers, government), assessor selection criteria (generally a Red Seal journeyperson, but may be employer or instructor), assessor training and support provided, validation of practical assessment standards across assessors (from none at all reported to cross-validation at the conclusion of each practical assessment session), o assessor to candidate ratios (from 1:3 to 1:7), o pre-requisites (including passing the Red Seal written examination), and o fees for first attempt (from no cost to $200) Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 23

26 The NOA and the practical competencies it describes appears to have provided significant common ground for agreeing on the Benchmarks. Currently, the structure of the NOA is under review, based partly on CCDA s desire to provide a better basis for developing competency-based and practical assessment in the Red Seal Program. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 24

27 8) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOBILE CRANE PA HARMONIZATION: Reviewing the experiences shared by key jurisdictional representatives involved in the harmonization of Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade, together with the industry experience of North Pacific consultants, we developed the following recommendations for the harmonization of a Demonstration of Skills Test (DOST) for the Mobile Crane trade: 1. Use agreement on Benchmarks, at least initially, as the basis for implementing a harmonized DOST. Benchmarks most effectively represent a workable minimum threshold of agreement while allowing ample freedom of equivalency for each jurisdiction to adapt the standard to meet their necessities. 2. Develop the Benchmarks to be a creditable and respected standard, representing the required confidence level for recognizing the equivalency of competency for those certified in other jurisdictions. In other words, avoid agreeing to the lowest common denominator. Set high standards and require each jurisdiction to meet or exceed the standard represented by the Benchmarks. 3. Actively engage the various jurisdictions, and their stakeholders, in the development of Practical Assessment standards. Maintain an open and transparent process from the outset. Active communication with all parties to be effected needs to be a key strategic priority for the initiative. 4. Regard ISEC and CCDA as stakeholders in the process. ISEC represents the practicalities of implementation in each jurisdiction, while CCDA represents a national policy base for supporting harmonization. Both groups look for a business case in their own terms in order to bring their considerable influence to the discussions. 5. Standards for the selection, training and certification of Assessors need to be included as part of the Benchmark agreement. Assessors will be the face of Practical Assessment in each of the jurisdictions. Maintaining consistency across Assessors within each jurisdiction is vital to the reliability of the certification testing. Coordinating standards for Assessors across the jurisdictions will support the validity and equivalency of the certification. Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 25

28 APPENDIX A The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table The Skills Table is a regional partnership between labour, business and education / training institutions. The Skills Table was incorporated in March 2008 with the mandate to coordinate decision-making and action to address overall concerns regarding labour shortages and skills gaps in the Gateway, and build appropriate capacity in labour resources in innovative ways. The key objectives of the Skills Table are to establish and maintain an industry-driven crosssectoral partnership to: Target pressing skills issues related specifically to the Gateway; Establish priority projects and oversee their successful completion; Lever investments in skills and human resource development projects; Broker and support partnering work among industry stakeholders; and Advance solutions and strategies adopted by the Skills Table and tailored to industry needs. For more information on the Skills Table visit Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 26

29 APPENDIX B Listing of Respondents: Respondent John Poirier Christopher Stubbs Dean Frey Fraser Cocks Roger MacInnis Stephen McCarthy Laura Cowan Lorraine Coulombe Eric Hubbard Judy Trower Position / Jurisdiction Program Standards Manager Ontario College of the Trades Director of Program Development Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Former ISEC Chair (during harmonization) Program Development Officer Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Responsible for Crane Operator Programs Executive Director BC Association for Crane Safety and Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council Apprenticeship Section - Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Prince Edward Island Current ISEC Chair Manager Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Standards Development (Section) New Brunswick Manager Standards and Curriculum Unit Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division Department of Advanced Education and Skills Newfoundland Program Development Officer Apprenticeship Training Nova Scotia Program Development Officers Apprenticeship Yukon Yukon Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 27

30 APPENDIX C CCDA Hairstylist Practical Assessment Benchmarks (2013) - Based on the Hairstylist NOA (2011) Block Required (R) or Not Tested (NT) Benchmarks / Comments Notes and Clarifications A Occupational Skills R Maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment is important. Jurisdictions will observe Occupational Health and Safety throughout the assessment. Occupational Skills will also remain on the written examination. B Hair and Scalp Care R Draping and Shampoo/Conditioning Services will not be a standalone mark, but rather used as appropriate with the service being assessed. Jurisdictions wishing to have a standalone mark in this area will exceed the minimum benchmark. C Cutting Hair R Two (2) haircuts that remove a minimum of 2.5 cm of hair using at least two (2) tools. 1. A clipper cut (clipper over comb) 2. A haircut with elevation (shear(s) No notes D Styling Hair R Minimum benchmark A combination of at least two design methods to complete a finished look that contains some C shapings and/ or movement. Examples may include: 1. Rollers/Dryer/Combout 2. Blow dry/hot Rollers/Combout 3. Blow dry/curling Iron/Combout 4. Thermal tool(s) and Combout No notes E Chemically Waving and Relaxing Hair R Minimum benchmark The mechanics of a traditional perm must be assessed including sectioning, sub-sectioning and wrapping. Jurisdictions require that the mechanics of both colouring and perming are to be assessed. Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 28

31 Block Required (R) or Not Tested (NT) Benchmarks / Comments Notes and Clarifications F Colouring Hair R Minimum benchmark The mechanics of controlled colour application must be assessed including sectioning, appropriate application, and saturation. G Specialized Services NT No change. Assessed adequately on the written Interprovincial examination for the target audience. H Sales and Marketing NT No change. Assessed adequately on the written Interprovincial examination for the target audience. *jurisdictional assessments must be completed by impartial assessors Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 29