BUCKHANNON – Put down the scissors and step away from the hair dye. The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center School for Cosmetology and Design is here to help.
Fred Eberle Technical Center School for Cosmetology and Design instructors Mary Hull and Crystal Moss have been close friends since their studies at the Clarksburg Beauty Academy in 1994. Since then, these cosmetology enthusiasts have fostered a strong passion for teaching the next generations of high quality cosmetologists in north-central West Virginia on the Fred Eberle campus in Buckhannon.
Moss and Hull expressed that students are greatly benefited by this long-time friendship as they can receive hands-on experience in both the classroom and the salon from instructors with the same education and passion for their students’ success.
Hull has been an instructor at FETC since the cosmetology program launched seven years ago while Moss has been an instructor at FETC for almost three years.
Hull and Moss welcome new cosmetology students each August. Classes are held within the Art of Beauty salon Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year will be accepted January 1 through mid-May of 2023.
Entrance requirements include:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Entrance Exam
- Drug Screen
- Criminal Background Check
- References
- Interview with Instructors
Day-to-day course work in this program allow students access to cosmetology theory as well as practical skills. According to the 2022-2023 FETC Cosmetology Program Handbook, “The cosmetology industry is a constantly growing and changing career. Employers are looking for talented, educated, professional and employable workers. At Fred W. Eberle we strive to meet these employer needs by using a multitude of learning strategies. Students will gain knowledge by lecture, practical work and using real world skills in our salon. It is our goal to have every student successfully pass the WVBBC state board exam.”
The community can witness the hard work of these students by visiting the Art of Beauty Salon – on the campus of Fred Eberle – to receive a service on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At the conclusion of the program, students are capable of obtaining licensure from the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists following a licensing exam.
Moss humbly explained that care for Fred Eberle students does not end after graduation from their respective program.
“We’re always here,” said Moss. “Just because you graduated, we are a phone call or a text away – and we get many of those – and we enjoy that. [Former students] are comfortable enough with us to [still reach out] – we would have loved to have that mentorship when we were in school and we’ve gained a lot from that.”
“This is the best school ever. It’s a home. It’s a family. It doesn’t matter what program, Ms. Hull and I would help a child from any program as much as we would our own,” said Moss.
Mark your calendars: meet Moss and Hull at the second annual Tech or Treat Halloween event hosted at FETC on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Each program at FETC will offer a Halloween-themed activity for families in attendance. FETC cosmetology students will offer face painting and nail polish manicures to children during this event. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume or come just as they are. Treats, haunted houses and hay rides will add to the spooky fun of this event. Learn more about these Halloween festivities on FETC’s Facebook event.
Prospective high school and adult students of this program are encouraged to contact the FETC main office at 304-472-1259 to receive more information about available programs, tuition rates and financial aid for the cosmetology program. Learn more about the cosmetology program on the FETC website.
Follow FETC on Facebook to learn about student projects, upcoming events and more.
The Fred Eberle Technical Center campus is located at 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon.
