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Top News Stories
01/19/2012
Bill to deregulate cosmetologists sparks outrage in Indiana
A group representing cosmetologists and barbers has come out against a proposal calling for less regulation over the beauty profession in Indiana.
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), a national organization of salons, spas, distributors and manufacturers said it was opposed to Indiana House Bill 1006, which would eliminate the need for cosmetologists to become licensed in the state, as well as the the professional board that oversees them.
PBA spokeswoman Myra Irizarry told the Star Press that the bill could threaten the livelihoods of professionals with cosmetology training.
"Licensing is essential to ensuring the welfare of the general public," Irizarry told the news agency. "Ensuring core knowledge and competency in areas such as bacteriology, sanitation, anatomy, chemistry and health is absolutely necessary to maintain confidence in the profession and safety for the consumer."
The bill was recommended by the Regulated Occupations Evaluations Committee, which was created by the Legislature to assess the need to regulate all of the state's licensed professionals, including accountants, veterinarians, security guards and dietitians.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for cosmetologists are expected to increase by 20 percent through 2018.
01/19/2012
New York City sets sights on training more high school students for high tech careers
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced that the city will open a new high school in the fall aimed at training students for careers as software engineers.
The city said it was opening the Academy for Software Engineering in part to deal with a shortage of professionals who have completed IT training programs and other skilled computer workers.
During his State of the City address, Bloomberg said the city will open at least 12 career and technical education schools in the next two years to give young students a head start in emerging fields.
"Over the next two years, we’ll open at least a dozen new Career and Technical Education schools and programs aligned with trends in the global economy. Students will get out-of-school internships tailored around their coursework and interests," Bloomberg stated.
School board member Joel Spolsky said the 400 to 500 students who enroll in the new school will also get a "rigorous" academic education that will prepare them for university or career training college.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with an advanced degree can earn $500 more per week than those with a high school diploma or less.
