MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Indiana Barbershop Apprenticeship Program
Worksite Partner Agreement
Between:
- Sponsor: 2Exclusive LLC-S, DBA Elevate for Humanity Career & Technical Institute ("Sponsor")
- Worksite Partner: (entered below) ("Shop")
Effective Date: March 19, 2026
1. PURPOSE
This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") establishes the terms and conditions under which the Shop will serve as a worksite partner for the Indiana Barbershop Apprenticeship Program, a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship sponsored by 2Exclusive LLC-S (DBA Elevate for Humanity Career & Technical Institute).
2. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Indiana Barbershop Apprenticeship Program is a structured training program that combines:
- 2,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) at the worksite
- Related Technical Instruction (RTI) coordinated by the Sponsor via Milady RISE
- Progressive skill development tracked through competency assessments
3. SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES
2Exclusive LLC-S (DBA Elevate for Humanity Career & Technical Institute), as the Sponsor of Record, agrees to:
Registration & Compliance
- Maintain USDOL/RAPIDS registration for the apprenticeship program
- Handle all required reporting to state and federal agencies
- Ensure program compliance with applicable regulations
Related Instruction
- Coordinate and provide access to required online instruction (Milady RISE)
- Track completion of related instruction requirements
- Provide learning materials and resources at no cost to the Shop or apprentice
Documentation & Support
- Maintain official apprenticeship records
- Issue completion certificates upon program finish
- Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting
- Conduct periodic check-ins and site visits
Apprentice Recruitment
- Screen and refer qualified apprentice candidates
- Verify apprentice eligibility for the program
- Facilitate matching between apprentices and worksites
Hour Tracking Technology
- Provide GPS-verified digital timeclock system for OJT hour tracking
- Set up geofence around the Shop's physical location
- Provide partner portal access for hour review and approval
4. WORKSITE PARTNER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Shop agrees to:
Supervision
- Provide direct supervision by a licensed barber during all productive work hours
- Ensure the supervising barber has a minimum of 2 years licensed experience
- Maintain appropriate supervisor-to-apprentice ratios
Compensation
- Pay the apprentice according to the agreed compensation model
- Ensure all compensation meets or exceeds applicable minimum wage requirements
- Maintain accurate payroll records
Note: Apprentices are paid employees. This is NOT unpaid labor.
Training & Development
- Provide structured on-the-job training opportunities
- Allow apprentice to practice and develop required competencies
- Support apprentice completion of Milady RISE coursework
Hour Verification
- Review and approve apprentice hours submitted through the Elevate platform
- Reject any hours not actually supervised
- Sign off on competencies demonstrated
Workplace Standards
- Maintain a safe, professional workplace environment
- Carry workers' compensation insurance
- Comply with all applicable health and safety regulations
- Maintain required business licenses in good standing
Communication
- Notify Sponsor promptly of any issues or concerns
- Cooperate with Sponsor for documentation and compliance
- Allow Sponsor site visits for quality assurance
- Respond to Sponsor inquiries in a timely manner
5. COMPENSATION MODELS
The Shop may compensate the apprentice using one of the following models:
- Hourly Wage: Fixed hourly rate for all hours worked
- Commission: Percentage of services performed (must meet minimum wage when averaged)
- Hybrid: Base hourly rate plus commission on services
IMPORTANT: All compensation structures must comply with applicable federal and Indiana wage and labor laws. Commission-based models must ensure the apprentice earns at least minimum wage when averaged over the pay period.
6. TERM AND TERMINATION
Term: This MOU is effective from the date signed until the apprentice completes the program or the agreement is terminated.
Your Right to Exit — 30 Days Written Notice: Either party — the Shop or the Sponsor — may terminate this MOU at any time, for any reason, by providing 30 days written notice. Send written notice (email is acceptable) to your assigned Elevate coordinator and copy elevate4humanityedu@gmail.com. You do not need to provide a reason. You do not need the other party's permission. This right is non-negotiable and cannot be waived.
During the 30-day notice period: The apprentice continues their OJT and the Shop continues its obligations under this MOU. The Sponsor will work with the Shop and the apprentice on a transition plan.
Immediate Termination by Sponsor (no notice required): The Sponsor may terminate immediately — without the 30-day notice period — if the Shop: fails to pay the apprentice as agreed; violates any workplace safety or OSHA requirement; loses any required business license or insurance; falsifies OJT hours or program records; engages in misconduct affecting the apprentice's safety or welfare; or violates federal nondiscrimination requirements.
After Termination: The Shop must submit all outstanding OJT hour records to the Sponsor within 10 business days. The apprentice's program records remain with the Sponsor. The Sponsor will work to reassign the apprentice to another approved worksite if possible.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
Apprentice Data: Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of apprentice personally identifiable information (PII) in compliance with applicable privacy laws. The Shop may not disclose apprentice PII to any third party without written apprentice consent and Sponsor authorization, except as required for program administration or by law.
Elevate Confidential Information: The Shop also receives access to Elevate's operational procedures, program materials, and business information through this collaboration. This information is confidential and may not be disclosed or used for any purpose other than fulfilling obligations under this MOU. A full Non-Disclosure Agreement is incorporated by reference into this MOU and is available at elevateforhumanity.org/legal/nda.
Non-Compete and Non-Replication: During the term of this MOU and for three (3) years following termination, the Shop agrees not to use Elevate's program structure, RAPIDS registration, or DWD relationships to independently register or operate a competing USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program in barbering, and not to solicit or redirect Elevate apprentice candidates or credential partners into a competing program derived from the Elevate apprenticeship model. A full Non-Compete Agreement is incorporated by reference into this MOU and is available at elevateforhumanity.org/legal/non-compete. These terms are not up for negotiation.
8. INDEMNIFICATION
Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party from claims arising from their own negligence or willful misconduct in connection with this MOU.
9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through good faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes may be submitted to mediation before pursuing other remedies.
10. AMENDMENTS
This MOU may only be amended in writing signed by both parties.
11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This MOU constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.
Digital Signature
SIGNATURES
SPONSOR: 2Exclusive LLC-S (DBA Elevate for Humanity Career & Technical Institute)
Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________
Title: _________________________________
Date: _________________________________
WORKSITE PARTNER:
Shop Name: _________________________________
Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________
Title: _________________________________
Date: _________________________________
SUPERVISING BARBER:
Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________
Indiana License #: _________________________________
Date: _________________________________
2Exclusive LLC-S (DBA Elevate for Humanity Career & Technical Institute)
Indianapolis, Indiana | www.elevateforhumanity.org
RAPIDS Program ID: 2025-IN-132301