By Aunie Edwards
Special to The Toronto Sun

If you're having a bad hair day, then Dennis Ducusin is your new best friend. Registered with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in cosmetology and hairstyling, Ducusin is gaining outstanding qualifications from some of the best stylists in Toronto.

OYAP student Dennis Ducusin (right) received training in hairstyling at the David Hills Salon.

Despite possessing an inherent talent, Ducusin needed a friendly push to realize his present direction.

"My educational background is in marketing but my preferred hobby has always been hairstyling -- I've been cutting hair for my friends and family for years," Ducusin says.

"I have a circle of friends who are involved in several areas of fashion and one of them, who owns a salon, recommended the course at Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre."

Ducusin acted upon that recommendation and, in September 2001, with his natural ability and the help of a savvy educator, he began the process of re-inventing himself.

"Ducusin alternates between classroom and workplace," says Patricia Furfaro, in-school cosmetology teacher at Yorkdale Secondary School and Adult Learning Centre.

"Having completed a nine-week job placement with David Hillis Salon, he's returned to school where he studies and practises techniques. But he's also landed a part-time position at his job placement and between the two disciplines, Dennis is enjoying a tremendous amount of exposure."

Ducusin agrees: "I am gaining a lot of experience and I owe Patricia for that. She's hooked me up with hair shows where I can learn from some of the best in the business. And it was

Patricia who found me this great placement at David Hillis -- she's opened a lot of doors on my behalf."

OYAP is a government-funded vehicle with other significant advantages. The co-op nature of the program intensifies Ducusin's already substantial base of experience in an industry that demands extensive practical knowledge.

"When Dennis is at David Hillis Salon, I receive weekly evaluations to ensure that the experience quotients are being met and the government standards for the program are being satisfied,"

Furfaro says. "David Hillis is a high-end salon with an outstanding training program -- we know that Dennis is doing exceptionally well in their environment and we also know that his job training compliments his classroom exposure."

"We have a very structured training program for apprentices," says David Hillis, owner of David Hillis Salon. "Our trainees are assessed in four different stages and they must qualify at each level before advancing to the next. By the fourth stage, the apprentice will be able to incorporate all the different techniques and styles to suit each individual client."

And, no, they don't actually practise on the clients.

"Our apprentices are involved with the clients by greeting them and helping them to feel at ease," says Hillis. "Hands-on training is essential, however, and our apprentices do cut hair every week when they bring in their own models -- it's a 'learning by doing' thing and it's always the most popular part of the program."

Another advantage of a co-op program is the job market connections it creates -- and David Hillis is an excellent connection.

"I would really like Dennis to join us full time. He's great with our clients -- he's polite, approachable and he's a good listener. These are excellent personal qualifications that come naturally to

Dennis and, for the most part, they aren't things you can teach," Hillis says. With a certification exam in his near future, the only complication for Ducusin appears to be the challenge of choosing between multiple attractive offers. And the beauty of that reality is not lost on him: "I haven't made any decisions yet, but I'm hugely satisfied with my options."

Education requirements Students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year. Schools are required to monitor the program offered in the workplace to ensure it meets secondary school credit requirements. To receive their high school diploma, students must still complete all compulsory credits. Apprenticeship requirements Students must be placed with a qualified employer. Students must follow an on-the-job training program based on the specific standards for the trade. They may also receive related theoretical instruction. How to apply To apply to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, contact your school's guidance department or your local apprenticeship office. Visit www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca or call the training hotline at 416-326-5656 or at 1-800-387-5656 for more information. -- Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Next Story

Big brother is watching you

Jumping on the 'brand' wagon

UP & RUNNING- Build a better business than your boss

HEALTH CONNECTION- U of T hosts ALS chair

YOUTH FORCE- No Grade 12 diploma not an obstacle

Think work is boring?

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- A world of opportunities

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- A world of knowledge awaits job seekers

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- Put your best foot forward

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- Maximize your prospects

2005 Archives -- 2004 Archives

2003 Archives -- 2002 Archives