TURNERS FALLS — The adult education program at Franklin County Technical School is adding a 10-month, 1,000-hour cosmetology program that is intended to fill a gap in local training for a growing industry.
The new program will start in September, with the first class beginning Sept. 21 and running weekly, Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at the school at 82 Industrial Blvd. The adult program will use the classroom space that already exists for the high school cosmetology program.
“I’m hoping that it will be as beneficial for the school as it is for the participants, as it is for the community, who will be able to come here for affordable services,” Adult Education Coordinator Justin Lawrence said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to continue to perpetuate our reputation of really high-quality training in vocational areas, both blue collar and pink collar.”
Lawrence noted that this will be the longest-running adult education program, with a required 1,000 hours of training before students will be eligible to sit for the Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing Examination. Normally, classes run for an average of 230 hours.
The inaugural class will welcome 10 students, with applications now open.
According to the cosmetology program website, the program will teach a variety of required skills for the field, including hair cutting and styling, skin care fundamentals, makeup application, nail care and manicures, client consultation, state laws and regulations, and business and career readiness.
Upon completion, students will be eligible to take the state exam for licensing that is offered outside of the adult education program. Students will also get to take home a professional cosmetology tool kit, with the cost included in the tuition.
Lawrence said cosmetology has been one of the most requested adult education programs he’s had, which he said will help fill a “regional void” in adult cosmetology training. Currently, those seeking adult cosmetology training in western Massachusetts would need to attend classes in Springfield or Pittsfield.
Lawrence also said that the Program Advisory Committee, made up of industry experts who advise on program curricula and developments, backed this new offering.
“Between that and the requests that I get pretty regularly, we decided that we would give it a try,” Lawrence explained.
The school is in the process of hiring instructors to lead the courses. Electra Manley of the high school cosmetology program will also offer her expertise to the adult program, Lawrence noted.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job sector for barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is projecting a 5% growth between 2024 and 2034, which is higher than the 3% average for all occupations over the next 10 years.
In Massachusetts, a labor market analysis by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education explains that employment trends in the personal care services industry saw growth from 2014 to 2019 that was disrupted by the pandemic, but growth is continuing toward pre-pandemic levels as of 2023. The nail salon sector has seen the largest growth within the industry, with 119.8% growth between 2014 and 2023.
Funding-wise, this is a non-grant-funded program that will be supported by participant tuition, Lawrence said. Tuition for Franklin County residents is $9,899, and for outside residents, it’s $11,878. The details are still being worked out for offering financial aid.
Since opening applications, Lawrence said the class already has five people registered, with five spots remaining. He said the program is “moving quickly,” but he feels confident that the inaugural cohort will fill soon.
Those who are interested in registering can visit tinyurl.com/3nah7ty5 .
