Manitoba wins licensing for electrologists
It took Michelle Kaminski and a small clutch of electrologists in Manitoba more than nine years, but they finally won licensing for their profession in this province. As of March 6, 1998, persons 16 years or older in Manitoba who seek a career in electrolysis must apply to become a registered apprentice in the ětrade.î A Manitoba grade 12 high school diploma (or equivalency) is mandatory, and applicants must complete a 500-hour electrology training program.
Ms. Kaminski, who got the legislation ball rolling in 1989, says that bringing her idea to fruition took far longer than she ever dreamed it might. "I started out with optimism, knowing it would be a lot of work but not unrealistic. I handed a ready-made 500-hour curriculum over to the Apprenticeship and Trades Dept., thinking that was all that would be needed. I hoped that we would soon see our profession recognized and that some day we might even enjoy inter-provincial licensing. Little did I understand the ways of government!"
Although the new licensing for electrologists is part of The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and falls under "The Trade of Esthetician Regulation," it specifically encompasses the subcomponent trades of skincare technician, nail technician and electrologist. The definition of electrologist for purposes of the Act is; "a person who is certified to perform electrolysis, thermolysis and blend methods to permanently remove unwanted hair."
Manitoba electrologists are especially appreciative of the assistance they received from The Trades Department of the B.C. Government, and The Association of Professional Electrologists of B.C. (TAPEBC), the Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations (FCEA), and the Manitoba Electrolysis Association, Inc. (MEAI). "Our achievements would have been impossible without their input," says Ms. Kaminski.
"The most important meeting for us was the one that included other representatives of our industry," says Ms. Kaminski."On that occasion we were all handed a copy of British Columbia's 500-hour curriculum on Electrolysis, as well as copies of that province's Nail Technician and Esthetician outlines. The Trade Advisory committee went through each one and made changes. The biggest challenge was to develop an introductory course that would apply to any of the three fields."
Part of the 500-hour electrology course is a 140-hour segment consisting of topics common to estheticians, nail technicians and estheticians (sanitization, hygiene, bacteriology, and "safe work practices"). To keep in line with other programs under the jurisdiction of Manitoba's Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act, an apprenticeship program had to be devised that would give the learner an additional 500 hours on-the-job experience over a two-year period. After the necessary training has been completed, would-be electrologists must pass a Government certification exam.
Anyone going to an electrolysis school now must be subject to the new regulations. The schools also have to adopt higher standards and must be accredited. All instructors who are not grand fathered in must have their Adult Education Certificate as a minimum, as well as being licensed in their field.
To acquire their provincial license, currently practicing electrologists must show that they have worked in this trade for the five years immediately preceding the date of application and that they have completed the preparatory training.
To renew the 2-year certificate, the electrologist must have worked in this trade for a minimum of 750 hours during the two years immediately preceding the expiry date, and have participated in upgrading courses.
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