Two popular programs at Algonquin College on the chopping block
It could be the end of an era for two popular programs at Algonquin College, as both the hairstyling and esthetician programs are on the chopping block.
"Management maintains to this day that the decision is purely financial," said Tara Ettinger, who is a hairstyling and esthetician professor at the college.
In a statement, the college tells CTV News this is part of a "strategic planning process," saying "the objective is to ensure that we make best use of the College's resources, while offering a regularly updated mix of programs that serve the needs of students, employers and the community."
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
But Ettinger says it will mean the end of programs that are female-dominated and in high demand.
"We lost a lot of talented professionals because of the huge closures that happened over the pandemic and in order to fill that gap, we need programs like this," said Ettinger.
It's estimated within the next five to 10 years, the shortage of hairstylists will grow to 10,000 nationwide, according to the Canadian Occupational Projection System.
"We know the governments are very focused on the trades and we're the same we have all these labour shortages so this possible suspension of these programs will have huge ramifications to the Ottawa area and the trade," said Tanya Hill, president of the Ontario Professional Hairstylist Association.
And it's not like they're in decline.
"Our programs are waitlisted, so we're in demand. The industry requires estheticians, so we can't produce them fast enough," said Sylvie Canonico, esthetician program coordinator.
Both programs also generate revenue for the college, with salon services for the public on campus.
"We have all these solutions ready to go of how we could make this more financially viable," said Canonico.
The Board of Governors is expected to vote on June 3.
A petition to save the programs is also circulating. So far, it has garnered more than 2,600 signatures.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6845822.1713019078!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING NEWS President Joe Biden drops out of the 2024 race after disastrous debate inflamed age concerns
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.
Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep making jokes, research says
Researchers surveyed about 300 people about their experiences being raised with or without humour and their views on their childhood, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.
Hazmat response to north London, Ont. apartment complex
Circumstances around a deceased individual in an apartment raise concerns for first responders.
How to protect yourself from West Nile virus
It's been a hot, humid and wet summer so far in Ottawa, making it the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and elevating the risk of West Nile virus.
'I live a good, clean life': Socialite veteran 'just keeps going' ahead of 100th birthday
Thomas Archibald Franklin reflects on being 100 years young ahead of milestone birthday on Tuesday, bringing family and community together