News

BARBERING PROGRAM PUTS PBSC A CUT AND SHAVE ABOVE

BELLE GLADE, Fla. – July 12, 2018) A new Barbering program is about to get underway on Palm Beach State College’s Belle Glade campus, and the timing couldn’t be better. With many licensed barbers nearing retirement age, and millennial males clamoring for the latest hair and beard styles, the demand for new barbers is growing fast.

PBSC’s Barbering program launches August 23, and space is still available in the evening program. Those interested may attend an information session on Tuesday, July 31, from 4-6 p.m. at the TEC Building Patio on the Belle Glade campus, 1977 College Drive. Prospective students may also visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/programs/Trades-BG for program details or call 561-993-1175.

“We are so excited to bring this new opportunity to the Glades,” said Dr. Gloria McAllister, program director for Postsecondary Adult Vocational certificate programs on the Belle Glade campus. “There will be many job opportunities for our Barbering graduates to work in existing businesses or to start their own shops.”

In fact, local barbers concerned over the lack of new talent asked PBSC to start the program. The Belle Glade campus already had Cosmetology, Facial Specialty, and Nail Technician programs housed in a brand new salon environment. With this fully equipped facility in place, the Barbering program took shape.

“This program is great for men and women, and we have both genders enrolling in the program,” McAllister said. “More and more shops are unisex, and both groups need to have knowledge of the full range of services. By adding barbering to our existing cosmetology offering, we can prepare professionals for all clientele.”

In the 20-month program, students gain expertise in hair cutting and styling, beard and mustache trimming, shaving and skin care services, and hair coloring and chemical processes (hair relaxing and permanent waving), as well as barbershop management. As a public institution, PBSC’s low tuition rate saves in-state students thousands of dollars over private schools. In addition, financial aid is available.

Program graduates are eligible to apply for their Florida Barber License and sit for the required licensing exam. Upon passing the exam, graduates will become licensed barbers, qualified to perform all barbering services in Florida.

“I really want to expand my career choices, said Judi Austin, who recently enrolled. “The Barbering program will give me that opportunity. I can’t wait for classes to begin.”

Serving 49,000 students annually, Palm Beach State College is the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County, providing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. Established in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State offers more than 130 programs of study at locations in Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves.

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