Add hair-styling to the list of careers available through Olds College.
Last week, the college launched a hairstylist trade pre-employment apprenticeship program with 12 high school students enrolled. They’ll receive training through a blend of online and hands-on instruction over two semesters, earning both CTS (career and technology studies) credits and pre-employment trade credits.
Dan Daley, dean of Olds College’s school of trades, said the program will allow participants learn about a career while getting a jump on the associated apprenticeship requirements.
“It gets them exposed to the trade while they’re still in high school.”
Daley pointed out that dual credit programs already exist for students working toward their carpentry and welding tickets.
“The plan is for the program to act as a pilot that we can develop into a full apprenticeship program, to include adult learners and continue to meet the needs in our communities.”
Although its being conducted out of the cosmetology lab at the Community Learning Campus at Olds, the hairstylist trade pre-employment apprenticeship program is actually being offered by Olds College and Red Deer College through the Campus Alberta Central partnership. Chinook’s Edge School Division is also participating.
Lee Cenaiko, a veteran hair stylist who is teaching the program, said the career prospects will be good for graduates.
“Stats show we are running short of stylists, and there’s a definite need for qualified people to provide quality work.
“The potential career options for these students are amazing, and it is much broader than cutting hair. They may choose to become platform stylists, competition artists or product line representatives.”