Huron High School offers different CTE programs. The cosmetology program promotes career exploration, hands-on experience, and a state certification. With 1,500 hours of work spanned over two years, the curriculum gives students a unique set of technical and interpersonal skills that will help them thrive in the beauty industry.
The program’s head teacher, Elaine Sines, highlights the variety of talents that students acquire. “Students learn everything they need to know about hair, skin, and nails to pass the Michigan cosmetology exam for state licensure,” she explains. Although hair is the main focus of the program, students also receive instruction in facials, hair removal, manicures, pedicures, and artificial nails.
“I chose to enroll in cosmetology because I was interested in cosmetics and esthetics, and I was interested in learning more about skincare and skin health,” a senior at HHS Talia McCommons shares.
Along with these practical abilities, flexibility is essential. According to Sines, “Cosmetology is always evolving with trends and techniques.” “We’re teaching students how to take these foundational skills and apply them to the ever-changing beauty industry.”
One of the program’s best features is the direct path to certification. After completing the program successfully, students are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam and earn a cosmetology license. Successful graduates can also receive up to 20 free credit hours at participating community colleges, such as WCC, under the articulation agreement, Sines said. Because the program offers both professional licensure and potential college credits, it’s a terrific option for students to start their careers while still in high school.
Seeing students develop over time is one of the most fulfilling parts of the program, Sines says. “In the beginning, many students are reserved and lack confidence in their abilities,” she notes. “By the end of the two years, after clocking 1,500 hours of practice, they are much more confident and prepared to enter the industry.”
The program’s second year gives students the skills and information they need to succeed by prioritizing state board test preparation. The hands-on experience and practical knowledge they gain with real clients help boost their confidence in the high-stakes exam environment.
McCommons states, “I think it’s helped me to study and learn more about anatomy and interacting with actual people, so you get that human interaction you wouldn’t get from just an anatomy class.”
The program is not for everyone. Sines says, “Students who are a good fit for the program are typically self-motivated and very driven.” The commitment is significant, students spend half of their school day at the Huron Valley Beauty Academy. “If a student isn’t sure about a future in cosmetology, this level of commitment may not be the best fit for them.”
Attendance is crucial since the goal is to clock 1500 hours by the end of our Senior year. “Please be there and please give your hours,” McCommons says as a piece of advice for anyone considering joining. Commitment and dedication are essential for success in the program.”
Sines also highlights the importance of people skills in the beauty industry. “In cosmetology, technical skills are secondary to people skills. You have to enjoy being around people because that’s what your job is all about.”
Graduates of the curriculum are ready to pursue any of the many job options available in cosmetology. “There are a lot of options within this industry, and students can specialize in whatever interests them most,” says Sines. “Cosmetology is an exciting career, and students can be sure they’ll never be bored.”
Whether students decide to continue their education or enter the beauty profession directly, the Cosmetology CTE program gives them a strong basis for success in the future by combining technical training, interpersonal growth, and practical experience.
