Nail Technician Program

Work in a nail salon, providing manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, and nail art services to clients.

Work in a spa providing nail treatments and services as part of a comprehensive relaxation and self-care experience.

Take on a managerial role in a nail salon, or open your own, overseeing daily operations, staff management, inventory control, and client relations.

Start a side business collaborating with photographers, stylists, and magazines, showcasing your nail art skills in fashion shoots, editorial spreads, and advertising campaigns.

Work for a nail care product manufacturer or distributor, promoting and selling nail care products to salons, spas, and beauty professionals.

Conduct workshops, seminars, and specialized training programs to enhance the skills of practicing nail technicians and update them on the latest trends and techniques.

Yes! Wrapture Beauty Academy’s diploma programs are accredited by Apprenticeship Manitoba, which means graduates receive an accredited diploma and meet all provincial requirements to apprentice.

The program is 16 weeks long—about 4 months—delivered in person at our academy. You’ll receive both theory and hands-on training. You’ll graduate with a government-accredited diploma and be prepared to register as an apprentice in Manitoba.

Here are the four steps to becoming a licensed Nail Technician in Manitoba:

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Diploma Program

Start with the 16-week (approx. 4 months) accredited Nail Technician Program that includes both theory and hands-on training.

Step 2: Pass the Practical Diploma Exam

You’ll complete a hands-on exam that tests your skills in the services you learned. Congratulations on graduating!

Step 3: Complete Your Apprenticeship 

When you get your first job, register with Apprenticeship Manitoba and complete 1000 hours of esthetician work (1 year of employment) in a licensed beauty business such as a salon or spa.

Step 4: Pass the Written Licensing Exam

Once your hours are approved, you’ll write the provincial licensing exam. After passing, you’ll be issued your license. With a license, you can continue working in a business, or you can freelance. 

✔ Manicures & Pedicures – Basic, spa, gel polish, hot oil, paraffin treatments.

✔ Artificial Nail Enhancements – Gel, acrylic, fibreglass, sculpting, overlays, and fills.

✔ Nail Art & Customization – Nail design, artificial toenails, fabric wraps.

✔ Sanitation & Safety – Workplace hygiene, sterilization, and client safety.

✔ Business & Client Management – Salon operations, marketing, and client services.

A Grade 12 diploma or equivalent is required.

You must also be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Yes, there are several financing and funding options to make your education more accessible.

Wrapture Beauty Academy is committed to helping students start their training without financial stress. Although there are many options, here are some of the most common ways students fund their education:

• Medicard Financing: A fast and flexible option for anyone, with affordable monthly payments and a simple online application.
• Manitoba Student Aid: Available for diploma programs. Eligible students may receive grants, loans, or both, depending on financial need.
• Manitoba Métis Federation Funding: Available for Métis citizens training in approved programs.
• Windmill Microlending: For newcomers looking to work in a licensed field. This program offers low-interest microloans.
• Veterans Education and Training Benefit: Veterans may be eligible for up to $90,000 in funding to train at a regulated career college like Wrapture.

We’re here to support you throughout the application process. Our student advisors will help you understand what’s required, assist you as you prepare the necessary documents, and make sure you have everything ready to apply with confidence.

For more details, visit our Financing page or book a meeting to review your options in person.

You can register in person, by phone, or via email. We recommend booking a school tour first to ask questions and explore financing options.

• Tuesday–Thursday: Typically morning theory + afternoon hands-on practice. The ratio of time spent of theory vs. hands-on learning will change throughout the program, with more theory at the beginning and increased practical work as you progress.
• Fridays + 1 Saturday/month: Practicing on real models (friends, family, or the public). 

Your student advisor will have the most current details about your upcoming schedule.

Yes! Once you’re confidently at the practice stage, you’ll start providing services to live models—an essential part of your practicum.

This can include friends or family, and we also encourage working on strangers who book student services—an important step for building real-world communication skills and managing clients’ experiences. This is where your essential soft skills really develop.

Pro Tip: Start a dedicated student beauty social media account to share your journey as you start school and build a following—so when it’s time to post model calls, you’ve already got an audience.

Bonus: many of those early followers often become your first loyal clients once you graduate and start apprenticing at your first job—because they know where to find you!

You’ll register with Apprenticeship Manitoba when you get your first nail technician job and complete 1000  apprenticeship hours (1 year). After that, you’ll take a written exam with Apprenticeship Manitoba to become a licensed Nail Technician in Manitoba.

Yes. You’ll need a pen and a notebook for taking notes, as well as a device (phone, laptop, or tablet) for online components. 

Students must wear clean, indoor closed-toe shoes to protect their feet and maintain a safe environment. On practicum days, wear clean black attire and keep hair tied back to meet professional and hygiene standards.

Pro Tip: Staying Sharp on a Student Budget

Investing in a few staple items—like a black lab coat or scrubs—can help you save and simplify your mornings. These pieces layer easily over any outfit and always meet dress code requirements, keeping you polished and professional.

Lunchroom Access: Enjoy the convenience of a refrigerator, microwave, and seating area for your meals.

Free On-Site Lockers: Bring your own lock and store personal items like books, eating utensils, or stationery securely.

Free Parking Options: Free street parking is available on Milt Stegall Drive and is generally easy to find. A few spots are also available directly against the academy part of the building—just be sure to avoid the stalls that face away or belong to neighbouring organizations.

Perfectly-Located Bus Stops: Getting here is a breeze—multiple Winnipeg Transit stops are just a 3-minute walk from our front door. Routes 14, 20, and 77 make commuting easy and convenient for students coming from across the city.

Take Out Bites & Sips in Minutes: From Starbucks and Pita Pit to Jollibee, McDonald’s, and Mongos—student go-to spots are just across the parking lot. Need a change of taste? Booster Juice, Subway, Tim Hortons, and the Polo Park Mall food court are also close by. Whether you walk, drive, or order in, lunch breaks here come with options!

Yes, some students hold side jobs while enrolled. However, the diploma program is a full-time commitment that typically runs from Tuesday to Friday, plus one Saturday a month. Regulatory standards require consistent and well-documented academy attendance, so be sure to plan your schedule accordingly.

For the most accurate information about your upcoming schedule, your student advisor will provide the latest details during registration. 

Can I work as a beauty professional while in school?

Keep in mind that you cannot begin working as a nail technician apprentice until after you graduate with your diploma, and you must be fully licensed before offering freelance nail care services. 

Once you have graduated:

Nail Technician diploma graduates must register their beauty-related employment with Apprenticeship Manitoba to ensure their hours are counted toward their apprenticeship.

If you’ve gained extensive experience working as a nail technician, but never completed formal training in Manitoba, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam and apply for Trade Qualification (TQ). 

This process is designed for skilled workers who have the hands-on hours but not the diploma—and it’s your path to becoming officially recognized in a regulated trade.

Learn more here. 

Micropigmentation Courses

A great add-on for those drawn to the cosmetic side of the beauty industry. Whether you’re interested in microblading, microshading, or lip blush, these services diversify your offerings and appeal to clients looking for low-maintenance beauty solutions.

Laser Technician Program

With more nail salons now offering laser hair removal (and more), this no-prerequisite skill is a great way to expand your services. If you’re looking to work in a medi spa, it’s also a great entry point into advanced skin treatments—no prior skin care training required. In the Laser Technician Program, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of skin anatomy and safety protocols specific to laser treatments.

Skin Care Technician Program

For nail technicians, adding skin care services is a great way to boost your hireability—especially when apprenticing or applying at full-service spas. Taking the Skin Technician Program allows you to offer both nails and skin treatments, making you a more versatile professional and increasing your value to employers and clients looking for comprehensive beauty services.

If you haven’t taken the Nail Technician Program yet and are considering both skin and nails, the Esthetics Program is the perfect all-in-one option for you.