Henry Abbott Technical High School is the first technical high school to expand real-world learning for Hairdressing and Cosmetology students by promoting pre-apprenticeship opportunities with partner salons. This marks a significant milestone as local salons are taking the first step on the path to becoming registered apprenticeship sponsors with the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Office of Apprenticeship Training, while students sign on as pre-apprentices.

Juniors and seniors in Work-Based Learning (WBL) can register as pre-apprentices, earning wages and state licensing hours while working during trade instructional time. This program helps students meet the 1,500-hour requirement to take the state licensing exam.

Several well-known regional salons have started the process of becoming registered sponsors, providing students with career-ready experiences:

• Hair, Fairfield
• J. Leon Hair Salon, Danbury
• Adam Broderick Salon and Spa, Ridgefield, Southbury
• Good Guys Barber Shop, Danbury
• Pelo, Ridgefield
• Paris Salon, Ridgefield
• Dawn’s Pizzazz, Danbury
• Klickers Hair Studio, Newtown
• A New Beginning Salon and Spa, Bethel
• Kate Emilie’s Salon, Danbury
• Joe’s Salon and Spa. New Milford
• Christie and Company, Danbury
• Salon Greenwich, Greenwich
• Secret Hair Studio, Danbury

State and industry leaders attended an informational kick-off event to encourage students and employers to take advantage of this career-building opportunity:

• Senator Julie Kushner praised Abbott Tech’s role in supporting Connecticut’s workforce:
  “Abbott Tech offers so many programs that strengthen our community—manufacturing, automotive, carpentry, and now expanding hairdressing apprenticeships. I encourage students and salons to participate, and I’m proud of the Department of Labor for promoting this opportunity.”
• Kevin Durkin, Principal, Abbott Tech, highlighted the seamless transition to careers:
  “This is an incredible opportunity for our students. Right now, 90 Abbott Tech juniors and seniors are actively working through WBL. This program opens doors for students to enter the trade while still in school.”
• Larry Satchell, CTDOL, emphasized the success of registered apprenticeships:
  “Apprenticeships are working. We have over 7,000 registered apprentices and 1,900 sponsors across Connecticut. It’s exciting to see this program grow in the hairdressing industry.”

Students also shared their enthusiasm for the program:

• Laura, a 10th-grade student, explained why she chose the field:
  “I love making people happy when they get their hair done. This program gives me a chance to start working early and build my career.”
• Michelle Saraiva, an 11th-grade student at Abbott Tech, is currently working at Klickers Hair Studio:
  “I’ve always been interested in the hair industry. Coming from a family of hairstylists, I knew Abbott Tech would guide me into the field. Pre-apprenticeship gives me an opportunity to gain experience without debt and build connections that will help my future.”

Employers must pay pre-apprentices at least minimum wage and are encouraged to support their professional development. Pre-apprentices can perform all salon services under supervision, following a 1:1 licensed stylist-to-apprentice ratio.

As Toni Ribeiro, Klickers salon owner, noted:
“We need a strong workforce pipeline. Pre-apprenticeship gives students real experience, and salons gain employees who are truly ready for the industry.”

Abbott Tech and CTDOL are actively seeking more salons to become registered apprenticeship sponsors. This opportunity is open to all technical high school hairdressing students. Interested employers can visit the CTDOL Apprenticeship website to learn more and apply.