The Industry Commercial Arts Institute
45896 Alexander Road Chilliwack
We are a Private Training Institute with Certification by the Government of BC, offering a Basic Hair Design Program created to prepare students for entry level positions within the hair industry. This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. You can find the details of the program listed below, which were designed by Refinery House Creative Director, Aly McRae. The road to success in this industry can be bumpy and we’re passionate about helping to pave that road for prospective hair stylists.
Our “Industry” location is designed to educate and host appointments facilitated by developing stylists, overseen by educators. Click here if you’re interested in an appointment with a supervised student or apprentice.
Brand new to hair design? APPLY HERE
Practical Supervised Hair Program : If you’ve recently graduated from a basic hair program and are looking to make the leap to independence behind the chair, this apprenticeship program may be a great next step for you to sharpen specific skills and help the transition be as smooth as possible! This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. As such, PTIB did not review this program.
We’d love to hear from you! Submitting information via the link indicates an interest in more information, and does not signify registration. To start the conversation, hit that link above or pop into one of our regularly scheduled open houses at “The Industry” (45896 Alexander Rd) to meet an instructor and receive a tour of the education facility and salon. We have Open Houses the last Tuesday of every month 10:30-2:30!
Please email industry@therefinery.house for any other matters or if you have questions in regards to information posted above.
Fillable Student Enrolment Contract Fall 2023 | Spring & Fall 2024
4452 – Private Training Institutions Branch Notification 2022.01.12 Certificate
Intro to hair
It’s not as straightforward as it looks. Learn the nitty gritty of the tools in your kit and how to take care of them; the anatomy of hair and the basic philosophy of the best consultation; get an overview of this industry, and an in-depth study of the industry’s history, pioneers and current leaders – who they are, what they’ve done and how they influence the art today.


Styling 101
Learn blowouts, updos, braids, curls and the best products for a variety of hair types from the top stylists in the valley. We know that the proper service finishing and styling service not only makes or breaks a cut, but sends a client home with the right education to help them after they leave our space. This is a foundational course for preparing clients for events.
Foundations of Cutting
– structure + anatomy
– angle, elevation and direction
– weight distribution and weight building
– cutting length and long layers
– cutting graduated length and “bobs”
– cutting vertically (long/short/clipper)
– the art of consultation and listening
– conceptual diagnosis and execution


Hands on Cutting
Supervised by Refinery House top stylists, put your cutting program into practice with friends and family. Get behind the chair, perform evaluations & hair analysis and receive immediate feedback and evaluation from Industry experts.
Basic Color
– structure + anatomy
– understanding the chemicals / biology meets chemistry
– colour theory (understanding tone, level and reflect)
– lifting, depositing (underlying pigments, formulating + matching)
– correcting vs. complimenting
– root applications / full application
– intro to highlights (foil placement options)
– kinds of weaves / hair painting
– options for blending


Hands on Colour
Supervised by Refinery House top stylists, put your colour program into practice with friends and family. Get behind the chair and put your new chemistry skills into action. Perform services under the supervision of industry experts and receive immediate feedback and evaluation points to learn from hands-on experience.
Precision Cutting
Learn advanced cutting, finishing and texturizing techniques from the best of the best. From inverted shape to sharp angles, get beyond the basics during this precision cutting course.


Hands on Advanced Cutting
Supervised by Refinery House top stylists, put your advanced cutting skills to work. Get behind the chair, perform evaluations & hair analysis and receive immediate feedback and evaluation from Industry experts.
Advanced Color
– the art of consultation and listening
– customizing
– conceptual diagnosis and execution
– advanced colour theory lesson


Career Skills
– the art of consultation and listening
– conceptual diagnosis and execution
– review of job possibilities and options
– habits of an excellent employee
– habits of an excellent co-worker
– mindset + dealing with unhappy clients
– client generation + retention
– final project
Designated Private Training Institute
