Skills for Success (Essential Skills) Summary
Skills for Success are needed in a quickly changing world for work, learning and life. They are foundational for building other skills and important for effective social interaction. Everyone benefits from having these skills as they help individuals get a job, progress at their current job and change jobs. They also help individuals become active members of their community and succeed in learning.
Through extensive research and consultations, the Government of Canada launched the new Skills for Success model renewing the previous Essential Skills framework to better reflect the needs of the current and future labour market.
For full descriptions of the Skills for Success including their components and proficiency levels see: Skill components and proficiency levels – Canada.ca.
The following summarizes how such skills are used in this trade. Note that the summaries below are based on the previous model (Essential Skills), and will be adapted in the next iteration of the Red Seal Occupational Standard to match the Skills for Success model.
Reading
Hairstylists read a variety of materials including bulletins, manufacturers’ specifications and directions, notices, labels, product inserts, client history profiles and forms. They read regulations, agreements outlining chair-rental contracts, salaries and commissions. Hairstylists may read city by-laws to determine health and safety standards, licensing requirements and allowable business practices. They read articles and trade magazines to stay informed about industry trends and developments as well as descriptions of new products.
Document Use
Hairstylists locate information on labels to determine ingredients, storage techniques, safety data sheets (SDS) and safety hazards. They also review trend releases and specifications on swatch books, colour charts, diagrams and tables, and manuals in order to identify processing times, mixing ratios and colouring agents. They consult client records.
Writing
Hairstylists update client records. They complete forms and write reminders/notes to co-workers and clients. They also write a variety of material to promote services and products on social media sites.
Oral Communication
Hairstylists communicate with clients to determine clients’ needs and hairstyling service required. They discuss a variety of topics with clients including fashion trends and hairstyle choices. Hairstylists also exchange information with co-workers, supervisors and distributors. There may be a need to provide reassurance and resolve conflicts.
Numeracy
Hairstylists use numeracy in a range of tasks. For example, they measure the amount of fluids using scales, beakers and tubes. They also compare measurements of time, temperature and fluid volume to product specification and colouring charts. Hairstylists determine length of hair being cut. When scheduling appointments, they also determine the amount of time needed to complete appointments and maximize productivity by taking into consideration condition of hair, service being delivered and time specified on product information sheet. They complete financial transactions and collect payment for hairstyling, services and products. They must also calculate percentages for various activities.
Thinking
Hairstylists use critical thinking skills to select tools and products required to create specific hairstyles and to judge the performance of hair care products by considering clients’ hair. They use problem-solving skills to meet client preferences. Hairstylists evaluate condition of hair and scalp to determine treatment and hairstyle options.
Digital Technology
Hairstylists may use current technology to communicate with clients, distributors, access product manufacturers’ website and update client information and book appointments. They may use calculators or point of sale systems to complete numeracy-related tasks. They may use social media for marketing themselves, networking with others, researching current trends, inspiring creativity and training/self-development.
Working with Others
Hairstylists may work independently or with other team members to perform tasks and optimize client experience in a professional manner. Hairstylists may also mentor apprentices.
Continuous Learning
Continuous learning is important for hairstylists due to ongoing changes in the industry. They also learn by speaking with co-workers and colleagues and by participating in training. Hairstylists may also learn by reading articles, attending educational events and shows, consulting online platforms, analyzing photographs and noting hairstyle and fashion trends, and influencers.