By Tom Woerner, The Daily Record of Dunn.

DUNN - The building now used as the Dunn Center for Central Carolina Community College has been educating people of all ages for decades under several names. Now students in a barbering program are learning a trade they can use to support themselves throughout their lives.

There are now six advanced students and three beginners studying in the barbering program which will celebrate its second anniversary later this year. Last year the program moved to Dunn from western Harnett County in the industrial park that was never developed along N.C. 87.

It is an instructional program developed in coordination with the North Carolina State Board of Barbering. Students can obtain a certificate or continue their studies to obtain an associate degree. Once students complete either of the programs they have to complete a one-year apprenticeship under a licensed barber. Students have to sit before a practical and written exam before they obtain their license. All professional barbers are required to be licensed by the state.

According to instructor Arthur McCullers, it takes five semesters to complete the associate program and four semesters to obtain a certificate. Mr. McCullers said students obtain training in cutting hair for men, women and children.

"We want to give them hands-on experience as much as we can," Mr. McCullers said.

Residents of the adjacent Harnett Training School Apartments often take advantage of discount rates at the barbering program. The public can get their hair needs met at the school Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rates are lower than similar facilities in the community.

A basic man's haircut at the school is $5. A haircut with a shampoo is $7.

For women, permanents are available for as low as $25. Other services available include custom styling, scalp treatments, nail care, hair removal and tinting, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Mr. McCullers said students of all ages who are interested in a career in barbering can benefit from the program in Dunn.

"We like students who are very creative," Mr. McCullers said. "In many ways barbering is like an art form."

Students were working hard on willing customers last week. One of those students was Austin Beck who will be one of the first graduates of the program. He is excited about his new career.

"I never thought this would be my career," Mr. Beck said. "Now I'm here, I am doing it and I love it."

Central Carolina Cosmetology Department Chair Susan Johnson is pleased with the program.

"This is a skill they will be able to use all their life," Ms. Johnson said. "People are always going to need to get their hair cut."

The barbering program is one of several educational opportunities at the facility known as the CCCC/Dunn Center on Johnson Street. It is also the site where students in the culinary arts program take classes and learn their trade. The building was originally Harnett High School and educated African-American students for many years. Eventually it transferred into Harnett Middle School and then Harnett Primary until it closed in the early 1990s.

Since the time it was closed, the building has been used by the Dunn Police Athletic League. Some of the former classrooms at the site have been transferred into apartments for senior citizens.

Mr. McCullers said he can see the potential for growth in the program at the historic site.

"We are getting a lot of inquires and the community has supported us well," Mr. McCullers said.