Barbering program bridges new beginnings and community

The culmination of Lakeland College’s inaugural barber certificate program has shaped different realities for these three graduates.

Clark Drury, a local entrepreneur, and father of two, is looking forward to opening a barber shop in Lloydminster.

Kenneth Badger has goals to go into business with his spouse, expanding her existing business, Beauty Life, to Beauty Life and the Beast. He also has plans to offer wellness programs in local Indigenous communities.

Sam Greene is working in Cold Lake, Alta. but has goals to pursue work in Toronto, Ont. and then the United States, building experience and a clientele to become a private barber.

Since September 2022, Drury, Badger, and Green have acquired a range of skills and techniques in hair design, including haircutting, styling, grooming and shaving through hands-on labs, and working with real clients during public clinic time in the Lloydminster campus student-led salon.

The three mutually agreed that the hands-on learning opportunities were one of the program's many highlights.

“I enjoyed the public clinic and working with people. It’s like we’re working in a real shop, with the benefit of having our teachers there to let us know if we’re doing a good job. Their guidance is beneficial to our success,” says Badger. He has previous experience in the oil and mining industries. 

Greene says, “There is this freedom when we work with real clients and put our education to work right away. I had just graduated from high school and worked many jobs, but I started cutting hair for friends during COVID and liked it. I mean, everyone needs a haircut.”

Additionally, Clark, who owns a cross-fit business in Lloydminster, was thrilled not to have to leave the community to pursue an education. “It was a lot easier for me to attend Lakeland and take barbering while still being here for my kids. I didn't have to slow down with anything.”

The trio has also talked about collaborating and bringing business together.

Lakeland’s barber program qualifies graduates like Drury, Badger and Greene to complete Alberta’s barber apprenticeship program. As apprentices, they will need an employer to complete 1,450 hours of on-the-job training before they can write the journeyperson exam. Following the apprenticeship program, they can further their education on the business side by earning a blue seal. Barber graduates can also expand their skills in Lakeland's hairstyling program.

Photos: Top - Barber students Kenneth Badger, Clark Drury and Sam Greene shave moustaches and beards in part of a Movember fundraiser. Middle - Barber students Kenneth Badger and Clark Drury shave moustaches and beards in part of a Movember fundraiser.  Bottom - Barber student Kenneth Badger services a client at the student-led hair salon on the Lloydminster campus.