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Dog Grooming

What is it?

A dog groomer is a professional who specializes in the care and hygiene of dogs. They ensure that pups look and feel their best by performing a variety of tasks, typically in dedicated grooming salons, mobile grooming units, or pet care facilities. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities:

Bathing and Brushing:

  • Bathing dogs using specialized shampoos and conditioners: This involves preparing the bathwater, selecting appropriate products based on the dog’s coat type and skin condition, and gently washing and rinsing the dog thoroughly.
  • Drying dogs using dryers and brushes: After the bath, groomers carefully dry the dog’s fur using professional dryers and brushes, ensuring they reach all areas to prevent moisture buildup and potential skin problems.
  • Brushing and combing to remove mats and tangles: They use various brushes and combs to detangle fur, remove loose hair, and promote a healthy, shiny coat.

Haircutting and Styling:

  • Trimming and clipping fur according to breed standards or owner preferences: Groomers use clippers, scissors, and other tools to achieve the desired haircut style, following breed-specific guidelines or owner instructions while ensuring the cut is comfortable and suitable for the dog’s activity level and climate.
  • Styling and finishing touches: This may involve trimming nails, cleaning ears, and applying finishing touches like bows or bandanas, depending on the owner’s request and the occasion.
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Length of Training

23 weeks

Type of Training

In Person

* Salary Range

$24,900 - $34,000

(entry level – experienced)

* Regional Jobs Available

1,990

(3 year forecast)

A small brown dog is being groomed on a table. A person's hands are seen trimming the dog's fur with scissors, and grooming tools are scattered around the table, showcasing the precision and dedication inherent in such careers.

Is it Right For You?

Here are some essential skills and qualities for success as a dog groomer:

  • Love for animals: A genuine passion for animals and their well-being is essential, as the job requires patience, understanding, and gentle handling of dogs of various temperaments and sizes.
  • Physical stamina and strength: Bathing, drying, and grooming dogs can be physically demanding, requiring stamina, strength, and good posture to handle various tasks and maintain proper form throughout the day.
  • Patience and gentleness: Dogs may feel nervous or anxious during grooming sessions. A calm and patient demeanor, coupled with gentle handling techniques, is crucial for building trust and ensuring a positive experience for the animals.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy: Achieving the desired haircut style and ensuring thorough cleaning and hygiene require a keen eye for detail and the ability to follow instructions and standards precisely.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills: Effective communication with pet owners is important for understanding their preferences, addressing concerns, and providing recommendations for their dog’s care.

Overall, a career as a dog groomer offers a rewarding path for individuals who are passionate about animals, enjoy working with their hands, and possess the necessary skills to provide excellent care and maintain the overall well-being of canine companions.

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A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

The Adult Learner Scholarship application is closed. Please click GET STARTED to be added to communication reminders on when to apply during the next open cycle.

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

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Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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