October 2008
Gracie Young, an East Bay entrepreneur for more than 20 years brings her Greater East Bay Barber/Cosmetology Apprenticeship program to Marin County, San Jose and San Joaquin County.
After 12 years of success and service in Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Solano Counties, the program now makes its unique opportunity available in Marin, San Jose and San Joaquin County.
“The apprenticeship program is a two-year collaborative between salons and apprentices, Pittsburg Adult, Cal Works, PIC, vocational rehab, youth incarceration programs and school to work programs,” explained Young.
The program’s system is based on a simple and practical concept, “founded on practical on-the-job training, and related academic instruction,” Young demonstrated, “to provide an efficient, cost effective method for employers to use in getting skilled, industry trained employees.
What makes this program stand out is it gives all people an opportunity. “Our mission is to reach out into the community, targeting young adults to offer them viable alternatives [in order] to [achieve legitimate] lucrative incomes as opposed to falling prey to street corner [drug] sales, becoming victims of the lottery dream, or recipients of state allocated funds,” asserted Young. “We do have an open door policy to all interested apprenticeship candidates or salons owners seeking approval to start satellite programs in their county.”
What does Greater East Bay Barber/Cosmetology Apprenticeship program ask licensed barbers and cosmetologists already working in licensed establishments to give back? Young wants them to become a master trainer and employ or train young adults in the community so that they can become future licensed barbers and cosmetologists.
Instructor Certification Programs are available. For more information, call 510-267-0617 or write GEBBCA Training Facility 1908 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94612.