SCHOOLS OF THE TRADE

ESTHETICS The European Institute of Esthetics

A career with a European edge

The EIE, which uses only the latest equiptment and exceptionally high-quality products, including LCN, is rated as a five-star facility. General manager Annette Wilcockson says students get more than just 1,200 hours of theory and practical training during the eight-and-a-half-month full-time esthetics course. “What makes our graduates the cream of the crop is our business training. Running a successful business is just as important as being wellversed in esthetics.”

In January, May and September, 30 students are accepted into the program, and tuition covers all supplies including uniforms, tools, equipment and products. The curriculum covers what every esthetician needs to know, from head to toe, including marketing, advertising and retail classes. After students spend the required time fine-tuning their skills on one another, they get the chance to work at the on-site full-service spa. Instructors supervise them to ensure the public receives optimum treatments. Another important element is that the institute allows estheticians to get a glimpse of the real world. “Job shadowing is part of the training experience, and job placement assistance through a Canada-wide network is provided upon graduation,” says Wilcockson. www.europeaninstituteofesthetics.com

Gina’s College of Advanced Aesthetics

Top of the Class

With over 20 years of experience and integrity and the successful graduation of thousands of students, Gina’s Colleges is also at the forefront of today’s research and technology. . Christina Ramirez says, “Our program is constantly being updated and adjusted in order to meet these changes and current market trends.”

The full-time esthetic course runs eight months, with classes starting four times a year. Waterloo accepts 50 students each semester, while Mississauga enrolls 30 and Ottawa 20. Tuition includes a complete package of European products, tools and textbooks. Fifty per cent of the curriculum is devoted to practical application of classroom theory, but students gain hands-on experience under the instructor’s supervision as they work on the public in the school’s apprenticeship clinic. Ramirez says that because estheticians are recognized as professionals in health and beauty, there is now more emphasis on the holistic health aspect and paramedical relationship. “Our graduates today are required to be more knowledgeable than ever before, and we are able to provide them with the skills and maturity to become very successful.” www.ginascollege.com S