On June 2, 2016, Southeastern Technical Institute hosted the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016, including the 1st class of adult Cosmetology students. The ceremony was held in South Easton, Massachusetts on campus. The adult Cosmetology Program is an intense course of study including both theory and practical components based on the needs set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Upon completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate of completion for 1000 hours in the study of Cosmetology and be eligible to sit as a candidate to take the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology licensing exam in order to practice Cosmetology in the state of Massachusetts.
STI’s Director, David Degan, is happy with the success of the program. “When we began developing new programs in 2013, we were looking for course offerings that would allow adult students to attend school at night, were 14 months or less in duration, and were affordable to students. Our Cosmetology Program has been a great fit for STI because it fits all three criteria. Students come to us with the dream of entering the dynamic field of cosmetology, and if the Avant Garde component of our recent Taste of STI event is any indication, our 1st graduating class of students is ready to take on the Cosmetology industry by storm.”
The faculty for the Cosmetology Program has contributed greatly to the success of the program. “Being a part of this program has been a wonderful teaching experience for me. The students here are talented, creative and inspirational. I have learned so much from my students and because of the top of the line education they received here at STI, they are going to be amazing out in the industry,” said instructor Melissa Jones. Instructor Corinne Pestana brought real world experience to the students. “I love the way this program is setup to introduce the students to the cosmetology field at a pace that is both challenging yet inclusive. The student to teacher ratio is geared toward helping the individual student succeed to not only pass the state board but to make them salon ready for today’s industry needs.”
Over the course of 14 months, the students learned valuable skills in hair, skin and nail care. They operated a full service clinic, practicing their skills on clients. As their time at STI winds down, we spoke to a few of them about their experience.
Amanda Gordon said, “I really like this program because it wasn’t what I expected cosmetology school to be like. It was actually a lot harder, but it made me push myself to new limits. This program really brought out the creative side in me.”
Mackenzie Burgess said, “My original plan was to move south and start my career down there at a different school, but when Maggie (fellow STI cosmetology student) told me about the STI program I knew it would be a better fit. Now that I am almost finished, I know that I made the right choice.”
Tommy Lewando said, “I chose this program because it was extremely affordable and I was able to use financial aid. The staff and the instructors helped to make sure we were the best we could be and nothing but professional. My education helped me to transition easily into the salon environment. I am currently a receptionist at Stillettos in Holbrook where I will be a stylist once I pass my state board exam.”
STI is currently enrolling for the 2016-2017 Cosmetology Program. You can find the application online here!
