September 9, 2025
JCCC’s Nail Technology program meets an industry demand.
At the beginning of 2025, 11 students from JCCC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education inaugural Nail Technology program completed the 13 weeks of hands-on training, ready to apply for licensure in Missouri or Kansas.
Through an ongoing partnership with Great Jobs KC’s (GJKC) Job Training Program, three students were able to finish the program, earn their license, and enter the workforce—100% tuition-free.
For program graduate Sherita Williams, who now works as a licensed Nail Technician in Missouri, both the partnership and the new program were crucial to her success.
“Doing nails has always been a passion of mine, but I was never able to find a way to attend school for it,” she said. “Either classes were during the day when I worked, or financial aid was not an option, so it wasn’t affordable for me.”
The Nail Technology program’s evening classes and GJKC’s Job Training Program eliminated Sherita’s roadblocks, allowing her to focus on the curriculum and her goal of becoming a licensed Nail Technician.
New programming? Nailed it!
With the increasing demand for luxury services and treatments, the nail services industry is seeing explosive growth. Jobs for licensed nail technicians are expected to grow faster than other occupations at 33% by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Recognizing the need in the workforce and the community, JCCC Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) took the initiative, launching the Nail Technology program in October 2024. WDCE is a branch of JCCC providing courses, certificates, and licensures that enhance career development and deepen personal enrichment.
“This program equips aspiring nail technicians with the essential skills and knowledge needed for licensure in Kansas or Missouri,” said Program Coordinator Alla Sobolevsky. “In just 13 weeks, the students are able to start their own business or find immediate employment in a salon.”
13 weeks to a new career
Nail Technology instructor DeShawn Bailey enjoys teaching students to deliver top-notch nail services with the advanced tools JCCC offers.
“This program uses brand new, state-of-the-art equipment that each student has the opportunity to practice with,” he said. This includes nail desks, pedicure thrones, gel lights, and over 280 polishes.
A standout feature of the program is the opportunity for students to practice their skills at the JCCC Nail Salon. Here, members of the community can make appointments for services, allowing students to gain invaluable real-world experience while providing high-quality nail care at an affordable price.
Aside from the extensive curriculum, DeShawn also emphasizes the numerous life-changing skills that students develop over just a few months.
“Students develop lifelong friendships with peers and instructors,” he said. “They gain the ability to open and operate their own salon space. They learn what makes a nail tech truly successful. I am here for the students to help guide them through this amazing endeavor.”
A creative and rewarding craft
The Nail Technology program set Sherita up for success in her new field.
“The program was great!” said Sherita. “I learned a lot and it was very hands-on. Our instructor, DeShawn, was very supportive and took his time to make sure each student had an understanding of the lessons and the industry that we would soon be part of.”
Both DeShawn and Sherita advise the incoming class of Nail Technology students to ask as many questions as possible and engage with the interactive elements of the program to be ready for the salon experience.
“I enjoyed the Nail Technology program,” said Sherita. “I would recommend it to individuals that are striving to follow their dreams.”
Make beauty your business
Join a growing industry with JCCC’s cutting-edge Nail Technology program.