Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City stands as a beacon for high school students eager to jumpstart their professional journeys. Renowned for providing robust vocational training, Nichols Career Center Programs are meticulously designed to equip students with practical skills and industry-recognized certifications, paving the way for immediate career entry post-graduation. With the exciting addition of a brand-new cosmetology program, Nichols Career Center now boasts an impressive portfolio of 14 diverse programs tailored for ambitious high school learners.
This year marks the inaugural launch of the cosmetology program, an intensive two-year course poised to deliver comprehensive training in the beauty and wellness sector. “Upon graduating from our Nichols Career Center programs, specifically the cosmetology program, students will earn a Class CA license,” proudly states Cosmetology Instructor Cara Edlen. This license is a significant credential, allowing graduates to immediately enter the workforce as certified cosmetologists.
The curriculum of the Nichols Career Center programs, and especially the cosmetology offering, is impressively broad. Students gain hands-on experience in a wide array of cosmetology services. Instructor Edlen elaborates, “Our students master everything from precision haircuts and revitalizing shampoo techniques to meticulous manicures, soothing pedicures, and rejuvenating facials. We ensure they are proficient in virtually every service permissible under their cosmetology license.” This exhaustive training ensures graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the demands of a professional salon environment.
The cosmetology program, a cornerstone of Nichols Career Center programs, is strategically located within the newly inaugurated building trades and cosmetology facility. This state-of-the-art space was officially unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 24th. Cody Bashore, Director at Nichols Career Center, highlights the innovative design of the facility: “This building is ingeniously designed as a dual-purpose space.” He further explains that one half of the structure is transformed into a fully operational salon, specifically for the cosmetology program, while the remaining section is dedicated to the building trades program. This co-location fosters a dynamic learning environment and encourages interdisciplinary interaction among students in different Nichols Career Center programs.
The realization of this cutting-edge facility was made possible through the generous support of the local community, who backed a recent bond issue. “We deeply appreciate the overwhelming community support,” Bashore acknowledges. “We are incredibly grateful for their belief in Nichols Career Center programs and our mission.”
While physically located in Jefferson City, the reach of Nichols Career Center programs extends far beyond city limits. “We proudly serve 13 sending high schools,” Bashore notes. “Being able to extend these exceptional career-focused programs to a wide network of high schools within our community is truly remarkable.” This inclusive approach ensures that a broad spectrum of students can benefit from the specialized training offered at Nichols Career Center.
Both Director Bashore and Instructor Edlen underscore the paramount advantage of Nichols Career Center programs: equipping students with the skills to secure employment and launch their careers immediately after high school. Edlen passionately concludes, “It’s an extraordinary opportunity. Our graduates are empowered to step out of high school and seamlessly integrate into their chosen career path, ready to excel from day one.” Nichols Career Center programs are not just educational courses; they are direct pathways to fulfilling and successful careers.
