A national hairstylist shared on Monday his knowledge and expertise with teenagers at Capital Region BOCES aspiring to a career in cosmetology.
T.J. Reed is an educator with BOCES business partner Pretty in a Minute, a cosmetology industry product manufacturer and education provider. He spoke to Capital Region BOCES Cosmetology students about everything from equipment and tools to careers in the industry.
“The biggest thing I am seeing in the industry is a lack of seriousness for the craft. People get into the industry and don’t have the passion and seriousness it takes to succeed,” said the Ohio-based industry expert.
Students gave Reed an A-plus for his passion and knowledge.
“He was great. He was really into explaining everything to us in-depth and showing us exactly what he was talking about,” said Tessla Murray, a junior from North Colonie.
Classmate Morgan Haley agreed.
“He did a good job of explaining the equipment and how exactly to use it to get the right results,” the Mohonasen student said.
Students enrolled in the BOCES Cosmetology program at the Albany and Schoharie centers regularly benefit from visits by educators and BOCES business partners.
During the course of two years, Cosmetology students gain the skills and 1,000 hours of training and experience needed to take the New York state licensure exam. The experience prepares students to enter the workforce upon graduation or to go to college and have a leg up on future business competitors.
Capital Region BOCES works extensively with more than 300 businesses and institutions to train students and prepare them for careers that exist now and those that will exist in the future.