💇 Earn While You Learn: Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Program

💰 Salary During Training: $15 per hour or current state minimum wage

🎓 Choose a program near you | ✅ No Need To Worry About Tuition Fees

The Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship offers a pathway into the beauty industry without full-time cosmetology school. Organized by the Department of Industrial Relations, this Government-Supported Program lets you earn wages in licensed salons while completing licensing hours and working toward a state cosmetology or barber license. You can choose an approved academy near you, making commuting and training more convenient.

🌟 Why Choose a Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship?

✅ Earn Income During Training

In this Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Program, you begin earning $15 per hour or the applicable state minimum wage once supervised salon employment starts. All apprenticeship hours contribute directly toward state licensing eligibility.

✅ Government-Supported Training Framework

This Government-Supported Apprenticeship Program operates under state labor department and cosmetology board guidelines. Training hours, curriculum standards, and examination eligibility align with official state licensing requirements. Choosing a nearby academy helps ensure regular attendance and smoother completion of required training.

✅ Structured 24-Month Licensing Pathway

The program combines classroom instruction, supervised hands-on salon experience, and state board exam preparation within a clearly defined 24-month structure.

✅ Early Entry Into a Licensed Trade

You may begin at age 16 after completing 10th grade, making this Paid Beauty Apprenticeship Pathway accessible to young workforce entrants. Local academy options allow you to start your apprenticeship close to home, balancing work and study efficiently.

📈 Industry Demand for Licensed Hair Professionals

Licensed cosmetologists and barbers continue to experience consistent hiring demand across:

• Independent salons
• Franchise salon chains
• Barbershops
• Grooming studios
• Beauty service brands

The beauty industry remains service-driven and stable across economic cycles. Licensed professionals benefit from commission-based earnings, flexible scheduling options, and long-term self-employment potential.

A Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship aligns directly with this ongoing market demand, while nearby academy options allow you to start earning and training in your local area.

🧭 Step-by-Step Structure of the Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship

The program follows a two-phase pathway toward state licensure, available at approved academies near you.

Phase 1: Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Before starting salon employment, foundational requirements must be completed.

Pre-Apprenticeship Includes:

• 39 hours of classroom instruction
• 2-hour online module provided by the State Education Board
• Flexible course date selection
• 39-hour weekly classroom schedule

After completing the 39-hour course and successfully passing the state module assessment, you may apply for a State Apprentice License.

Selecting a local academy ensures easier access to classroom sessions and state modules, allowing you to maintain consistent attendance and start practical training faster.

Approval of the apprentice license allows you to begin supervised salon employment under a licensed cosmetologist or barber.

Phase 2: Registered Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship (24 Months)

Once licensed as an apprentice, you enter the formal Government-Supported Apprenticeship Program.

Program Requirements Include:

• 24 months of supervised salon employment
• 220 additional classroom hours
• Documented skill progression
• Practical hands-on training
• Wage-based employment throughout the apprenticeship

At 21 months after receiving the apprentice license, you may register for the state licensing examination.

After meeting all regulatory requirements, candidates may submit their professional licensure application and schedule the examination at an authorized testing center.

🛠 Skills Developed Through the Paid Hairdressing Training Program

The Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship develops skills in:

• Precision hair cutting and advanced styling
• Chemical services, including coloring and treatments
• Sanitation and infection control compliance
• Client consultation and service planning
• Professional salon workflow management
• State board licensing exam preparation

This combination of classroom and employment-based training ensures readiness for professional certification and long-term career advancement.

👥 📋 Eligibility for the Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship

This Government-Supported Paid Beauty Apprenticeship accommodates workforce entry and career transitions across multiple life stages, with academy locations available near you for easier participation.

📍 Find a Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Near You

The Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Program is available at approved academy locations near you or in your local area. Selecting a nearby campus reduces commute time, supports consistent attendance, and allows you to start supervised salon employment faster.

Applicants are encouraged to confirm local availability before enrolling in the 39-hour pre-apprenticeship training. Choosing a nearby academy ensures smoother access to both classroom instruction and salon placements.

🚀 Application Process for the Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Program

• 1️⃣ Enroll in the pre-apprenticeship training at a nearby approved academy
• 2️⃣ Complete 39-hour classroom instruction and state module
• 3️⃣ Apply for State Apprentice License
• 4️⃣ Begin supervised, wage-based salon employment
• 5️⃣ Complete 24-month registered apprenticeship
• 6️⃣ Apply for professional license and complete the state examination

Processing timelines may vary based on state regulatory procedures.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior salon experience required?

No prior professional salon experience is typically required. Foundational instruction is completed before supervised employment begins.

When does wage payment begin?

Wages begin once the State Apprentice License is issued and supervised salon employment starts.

How long does the full apprenticeship last?

The complete Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Program lasts 24 months. Eligibility for the licensing exam begins after 21 months.

Where is the state licensing examination conducted?

All professional cosmetology and barber licensing examinations are administered at authorized state testing centers.

Does this program align with state licensing requirements?

Yes. The Government-Supported Training Program follows state labor department and cosmetology board standards to ensure licensing eligibility.

✅ Summary

The Government-Supported Paid Hairdressing Apprenticeship Program provides:

• Wage-based training starting at $15 per hour
• 24-month registered apprenticeship structure
• State-recognized licensing alignment
• Classroom and supervised salon training
• Eligibility beginning at age 16
• Direct progression toward professional cosmetology or barber licensure
• Academy locations available near you for easier access to training and salon employment

This regulated and employment-driven pathway combines income, structured mentorship, and official certification preparation—offering a practical route into the licensed beauty profession in the United States.

Emily Carter

02/11/2026