Central Tech, a leading provider of career and technology education in Oklahoma, celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art cosmetology program on the Sapulpa campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 10th at 4:00 PM. This significant milestone represents a major stride in creating exciting educational pathways for aspiring cosmetologists.
Crystal Moore, cosmetology instructor for Central Tech on the Sapulpa campus, spoke enthusiastically about the program, emphasizing its unique benefits. “A lot of people want to become cosmetologists, and at Central Tech, we offer a distinct advantage. Our high school students can take this course, without costly tuition and with fewer hours of training before testing by the state board of cosmetology compared to traditional students. Furthermore, our new facility, in my opinion, stands as the most beautiful in Oklahoma.”
Moore announced that in December, the program will extend its services to the public, offering an experience similar to a genuine salon. It’s essential to note that all salon services provided will be within the scope of what students have learned during their class hours. These services will be performed exclusively by students while under the direct supervision of their instructor, ensuring the quality aligns with their learning progress.
Kim Howard, Campus Director for Central Tech’s Sapulpa campus, echoed the excitement surrounding the expansion of the cosmetology program. “Our waitlist for cosmetology consistently has 110 prospective students each year. With the addition of this new class, we can now enroll and serve an additional 40 students. Our confidence in the job market’s capacity to support more graduates is well-founded,” stated Howard.
“Our Drumright cosmetology program enjoys a high placement rate, and we recognized the need for a second class in Sapulpa. This change particularly benefits high school students in proximity to this campus, considering their other commitments before and after school. It saves them up to 40 minutes each way in travel.”
Howard hinted at the possibility of future expansion, saying, “If industry demand continues to remain high, necessitating more graduates to meet workforce needs, we will explore adding an evening class, mirroring the successful approach with our HVAC program. We are genuinely thrilled to offer cosmetology to this side of the district, given the tremendous potential this occupation holds.”
Central Tech’s Superintendent, Kent Burris, emphasized the institution’s commitment to delivering diverse educational opportunities in alignment with data-driven decision-making and workforce demands. “We are excited to introduce the Sapulpa cosmetology program as part of our ongoing efforts to provide quality education and prepare our students for rewarding careers,” stated Burris.
The new Sapulpa cosmetology facility boasts impressive specifications, featuring 4,100 square feet of space, 20 salon stations in the main studio, 6 nail stations, and 3 pedicure stations in the nail room, as well as 3 facial chairs in the facial room. Additionally, the classroom can accommodate up to 20 students, effectively serving 40 students annually.
Central Tech remains dedicated to expanding its program offerings to address workforce needs and elevate its level of service to the public. The introduction of the Sapulpa cosmetology program reflects Central Tech’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities.