MANCHESTER, N.H.- The Career & Technical Education Center (CTE) at Manchester School of Technology (MST) may be Manchester’s best-kept beauty secret. For just $5 at the Student Salon & Spa, you can get a manicure or a haircut. For $5 more, you can get a pedicure or a facial. As the name suggests, the services are all completed by MST students.
The cosmetology program is designed to prepare students for state licensing exams, combining both classroom theory and practical clinical hours. Best of all, it doesn’t cost anything for students to enroll.
“You get ahead of the game, you don’t have to go back to school and pay for anything,” says senior Cosmetology 2 student Kaleigh Agresti. “It’s a great opportunity.”
Students are taught the latest industry techniques, preparing them for work in the cosmetology field as a hair designer, salon manager, nail tech, hair colorist or salon owner. Lessons include everything from traditional book work on human anatomy, to learning how to plan and execute a business luncheon and effective communication. When it comes to hands-on skills, the students are taught how to do it all.
“It could be a manicure, facial or a cut and color, it kind of gives everyone that experience.”
Twice a week, students work in the Student Salon & Spa after school, practicing classroom lessons on real-world clients, handling everything from greeting customers when they walk in, to cashing them out when the service is complete. All students are certified apprentices, working under the supervision of licensed cosmetology instructors.
Students in the program also have the opportunity to take part in SkillsUSA, an organization working to empower and support CTE students and teachers across the country. Three MST programs, including cosmetology, will take part in SkillsUSA competitions at Manchester Community College later this month.
“I love when the kids are excited and ready to learn,” says Cosmetology 1 and 2 teacher Keyla Rodriguez, a 2013 graduate of the CTE program who learned the beauty basics under program director Mollie Chase. “I like pushing them to do things that they’re scared to do because they can do it.”
“I love it here, I’m really excited to graduate and I’m confident,” says Agresti.
Appointments for the MST Student Salon & Spa are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by emailing mstsalon@mansd.org
To view a list of current services and prices, click here
Payments accepted: Cash or check only
