This story is part of a series of interviews with former Fred Eberle Technical Center students who talk about their time at the school and where they are today.

BUCKHANNON – Going into the workforce after graduation can be intimidating. However, one Fred W. Eberle Technical Center graduate who now owns her own business said students’ hard work will be rewarded by the many career opportunities that await graduates.

Tammy Bragg, a 2018 graduate of the Adult Cosmetology program at FETC, made her lifelong dream of being a cosmetologist come true after serving in the healthcare industry for around 25 years.

“I’ve always wanted to do cosmetology, but life gets in the way,” Bragg said. “In 2016, my husband said to me, ‘I will take care of everything. Go to school. It’s your turn. It’s your time.’”

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is a vocational school that offers students a variety of trade programs. FETC fosters a career-based learning environment for students from North Central West Virginia.

The FETC Adult Cosmetology program accepts student applications from March 1 to the middle of May each year. Upon acceptance, students begin their studies in August, with the possibility to complete the program in as little as 18 months. Classes are held at the FETC campus – 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon – from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Fred Eberle is an amazing school,” Bragg said. “The instructors and administration there truly go above and beyond by helping students be prepared for graduation.”

Bragg said her time at Fred Eberle involved more than learning how to cut hair. The Adult Cosmetology program challenges students to understand human anatomy and health, salon safety as well as business administration.

“I was blessed to start my own hair salon after graduating from Fred Eberle,” she said.

Bragg opened Tammy’s Tangles in 2019. Her salon is located in Craigsville, West Virginia.

The FETC grad advised students to take time to think about which career is of interest and choose one that will make them happy for the rest of their lives.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” Bragg said. “I promise the reward is waiting for you at the end of the tunnel.”

Contact the FETC office for more information about available programs, tuition rates and financial aid. Students interested in applying for the FETC Adult Cosmetology program are encouraged to call the front office at 304-472-1259 or contact FETC online.