Barber apprentice training in a barbershop

Barbershop Partner Program

Host apprentices in your shop. Develop talent. Grow your team through Indiana's USDOL Registered Barber Apprenticeship.

Apply as a Partner Shop Schedule a Call

How the Program Works

The Indiana Barber Apprenticeship is a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship. Your shop hosts apprentices who train under your licensed barbers while earning a wage.

1

Apply & Get Approved

Submit your application, complete a Zoom site visit, and sign the MOU. Approval takes about 1 week.

2

Host an Apprentice

We match qualified apprentices to your shop. They complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under your supervision.

3

Grow Your Team

Apprentices complete theory through Milady RISE, then sit for the Indiana State Board exam. You get a trained, licensed barber.

What Partner Shops Need to Know

Workers' Compensation

Partner shops must carry workers' comp insurance for apprentices. If you don't have it yet, we can help you understand your options.

Pay Structure

Apprentices must be paid at least minimum wage ($7.25/hr). You choose the model — hourly, commission, or hybrid.

Supervising Barber

Designate a licensed barber in your shop to supervise apprentices and verify hours and competencies.

State Board & Licensing

Your shop must hold a valid Indiana shop license and be in good standing with the IPLA.

Tools & Kit

Apprentices are responsible for their own barber kit. Elevate provides a recommended list and can help connect them with funding.

ITIN Accepted

Apprentices may use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of an SSN for enrollment.

Video Site Visit

Before final approval, we conduct a short Zoom site visit (~15 minutes) to see your shop and confirm it meets requirements.

DOL Listing

Approved shops are listed on the U.S. Department of Labor RAPIDS system as registered apprenticeship worksites.

Approval Timeline

1

Submit Application

Day 1

Complete the online partner application form.

2

Verification

Days 1-3

We verify your shop license and supervisor credentials with IPLA.

3

Video Site Visit

Days 3-5

A 15-minute Zoom call to walk through your shop.

4

MOU Signing

Days 5-6

Review and sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

5

Approved

~1 Week

Your shop is approved and listed as a registered worksite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a partner shop?
There is no fee to become a partner shop. You pay the apprentice a wage, and Elevate handles program administration, theory training, and DOL compliance.
Do I need workers' comp insurance?
Yes. Workers' compensation insurance is required for all apprentices. If you don't currently carry it, we can help you understand your options and connect you with providers.
How are apprentices paid?
Apprentices must be paid at least minimum wage ($7.25/hr). You choose the compensation model — hourly, commission, or a hybrid. Many shops start with hourly and transition to commission as the apprentice develops skills.
What does the supervising barber need to do?
The supervisor verifies apprentice hours and competencies, provides hands-on training guidance, and signs off on progress reports. They must hold a valid Indiana barber license.
What is the video site visit?
A 15-minute Zoom call where we walk through your shop to confirm it meets program requirements. We look at workstations, sanitation setup, and general shop conditions.
How long does the apprenticeship last?
Apprentices complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. At full-time (40 hrs/week), that's about 1 year. Part-time schedules take longer.
Can apprentices use an ITIN instead of SSN?
Yes. We accept ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for enrollment in place of a Social Security Number.
What happens after the apprentice finishes?
They are eligible to sit for the Indiana State Board barber license exam. Many shops hire their apprentices as licensed barbers after completion.
Will my shop be listed publicly?
Yes. Approved partner shops are listed on the U.S. Department of Labor RAPIDS system as registered apprenticeship worksites.
What do I need to provide for my application?
Your shop license number, supervising barber's license info, your shop logo, and photos of the inside and outside of your shop.

Ready to Partner With Us?

Join the Indiana Barber Apprenticeship program and start developing talent for your shop.

Start Your Application (317) 314-3757
View full partner site requirements including insurance