Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City has expanded its offerings, launching an innovative cosmetology program and unveiling a new, state-of-the-art facility. This addition brings the total number of specialized Nichols Career Center Programs available to high school students to an impressive fourteen, solidifying its commitment to diverse career pathways.
This year marks the exciting debut of the cosmetology program, designed to equip students with comprehensive skills for a flourishing career in beauty and wellness. “Upon graduation, students will earn a Class CA license,” explains Cosmetology Instructor Cara Edlen, highlighting the program’s direct pathway to professional certification.
The curriculum is broad, covering essential cosmetology techniques. Students gain hands-on experience in haircuts, shampooing and conditioning, manicures, pedicures, and rejuvenating facials. “We aim to teach them everything they are licensed to perform,” Edlen adds, emphasizing the program’s thoroughness in preparing students for the professional world. This comprehensive two-year nichols career center program is meticulously structured to meet industry standards and licensing requirements.
The cosmetology program, along with building trades, is situated in Nichols Career Center’s newly inaugurated building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 24th officially opened the doors to this modern space. “This facility is intentionally designed for dual purposes,” states Cody Bashore, Director at Nichols Career Center. He elaborates that one section of the new building functions as a fully operational salon, mirroring a professional cosmetology environment, while the other section is dedicated to the building trades program, offering a synergistic learning environment.
Bashore credits the realization of this new space to strong community support through a recent bond issue. “We deeply appreciate the community’s backing,” he expresses. “We are incredibly grateful for their support.” While located in Jefferson City, nichols career center programs are accessible to students from a wide area. “We draw students from 13 different sending schools,” Bashore notes. “Being able to extend these opportunities to numerous high schools within the wider community is truly remarkable.”
Both Bashore and Edlen underscore the pivotal advantage of these programs: empowering students to seamlessly transition into employment and launch their careers immediately after high school graduation. “It’s an exceptional opportunity,” Edlen concludes. “They can graduate high school and be ready to jumpstart their careers.” For students seeking practical, career-focused education, nichols career center programs offer a significant head start in today’s competitive job market.
