TCAT McMinnville Cosmetology Student Wins First SkillsUSA Medal In School’s History

TCAT student Kai (K-eye) Sage recently won the bronze medal at the 2023 SkillsUSA Nationals held in Atlanta.

Cosmetology Instructor Kristy Myers said this is the first time in the McMinnville Campus history that a student had taken first place in the state competition and TCAT’s first win at Nationals.

“This year it was a huge opportunity because we brung back medals in state and nationals,” Myers said. “For TCAT that’s huge. It says something about our educators and our institution. That’s huge for us.”

Myers said the cosmetology program had been growing. She said in particular there was a great need in the nail tech industry.

Myers said when she first started the program in 2019 they only had two students. Since then they have had to add additonal classes and two more teachers.

“The nail care industry right now is huge,” Myers said. “Whether it’s natural nail care or the artificial nails. The possibilities are endless for them.”

Myers explained that although TCAT does not offer a standalone nail tech course, cosmetology students can specialize in that area.

“Everybody thinks you can’t get a job in this field,” Myers said. “But I’m here to tell you if you want it you can get it. There’s so many shops just in our town alone.”