Portal Features
Program Management
Create and manage training programs, curricula, and course content.
Student Tracking
Monitor student enrollment, progress, and completion rates.
Analytics Dashboard
View detailed reports on program performance and outcomes.
Compliance Reports
Generate WIOA compliance and funding reports automatically.
Partner Network
Connect with employers and workforce agencies.
Program Settings
Configure program requirements, schedules, and pricing.
Barber on File
Licensed Supervising Barber — Apprenticeship Program
The barber on file for an apprenticeship program is the licensed professional responsible for supervising and verifying the training of apprentices working in the shop. Even if the shop owner handles the business operations, the barber on file oversees the training side of the apprenticeship.
Direct Supervision of Apprentices
Supervises apprentices while they perform barber services, ensuring all work is done safely and according to barber board sanitation standards. Guides the apprentice's skill development in haircutting, shaving, sanitation practices, and professional barbering techniques.
Hour Verification & Training Logs
Reviews and verifies apprentice hours and training logs, confirms that required service hours are completed, and signs off on progress documentation required for the apprenticeship program and state licensing requirements.
Shop Compliance & Barber Board Standards
Ensures the shop environment where apprentices train follows barber board regulations, including apprentice-to-barber supervision ratios and proper sanitation procedures.
Progress Evaluation & Completion Sign-Off
Participates in periodic evaluations of the apprentice's progress and confirms when an apprentice has successfully completed the required training and is ready to move forward toward licensing.
In short: The barber on file is responsible for supervising the apprenticeship training and verifying that apprentices are learning the trade correctly while working in the shop.
Shop Owner Responsibilities
Licensed Shop — Apprenticeship Training Site
As the shop owner hosting apprentices, you are responsible for providing and maintaining the licensed shop environment where apprentices complete their on-the-job training. While the barber on file oversees the training and skill supervision, the shop owner is responsible for the operation, facility, and regulatory compliance of the shop itself.
Shop License & Regulatory Compliance
Maintain a valid shop license and ensure the shop meets all barber board health, sanitation, and safety regulations at all times. This includes maintaining proper disinfecting procedures, clean workstations, approved sanitation equipment, and compliance with state inspection standards.
Equipment & Workstations
Provide the required barber equipment and workstations so apprentices can perform services safely. This typically includes barber chairs, mirrors, sanitation supplies, disinfectant containers, clippers, shears, razors, towels, and other tools necessary for barber services.
Licensed Supervision Requirement
Ensure apprentices are only working when a licensed barber is present in the shop and that supervision ratios required by the state barber board are followed.
Apprentice Registration & Permits
Ensure apprentices are properly registered or permitted with the state barber board before they begin performing services and that any required permits or licenses are displayed in the shop as required by state regulation.
Training Hours & Scheduling
Allow apprentices to complete their required on-the-job training hours in the shop and provide reasonable scheduling so apprentices can obtain the practical experience needed for licensing.
Cooperation with Sponsor & Barber on File
Cooperate with the apprenticeship sponsor and barber on file by allowing oversight of training activities, supporting accurate tracking of apprentice work hours, and maintaining a professional training environment.
In summary: The shop owner is responsible for maintaining the licensed facility, ensuring regulatory compliance, providing the equipment and environment necessary for training, and allowing apprentices to complete their required on-the-job training under licensed supervision.
Apprentice Compensation
Pay Structure & Wage Requirements
Sole Commission Is Not Permitted
An apprentice barber generally cannot be paid strictly on commission only. In most states, including Indiana, they must at least receive minimum wage for all hours worked, even if they also receive commission on services.
Why Sole Commission Is Prohibited
FLSA — Apprentices Are Employees
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), apprentices are considered employees, not independent contractors. They must receive at least minimum wage for every hour worked and overtime if applicable. A pure commission structure is only legal if the commission always equals or exceeds minimum wage for the hours worked — most barber apprenticeships cannot reliably guarantee that.
State Barber Board Requirements
Many state barber boards require apprentices to be paid wages, not booth rent or independent contractor income. Apprentices typically cannot legally operate as independent contractors because they are still in training and must work under supervision.
DOL Progressive Wage Requirement
From a registered apprenticeship standpoint, the U.S. Department of Labor expects apprentices to receive progressive wages — wages that increase as the apprentice gains skills and hours. Commission-only pay would usually violate that model.
Required Pay Structure
Base Hourly Wage (Required)
Apprentices must receive an hourly wage at or above the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked, including OJT hours. This is the base compensation and is non-negotiable.
Optional Commission on Services
Commission or tips may supplement the base hourly wage but cannot replace it. The apprentice must receive at least minimum wage before any commission or tip income is considered.
Progressive Wage Increases
Wages increase as the apprentice advances through the program, gains skills, and completes training milestones. The wage schedule is defined in the apprenticeship agreement.
Example Wage Structure
This is a common structure used by barber shops hosting apprentices. It protects the shop legally and protects the apprentice from being unpaid when business is slow.
| Stage | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Starting | Hourly base (e.g., $12–$15/hr depending on state) |
| After competency milestones | Hourly base + commission on services |
| Advanced stage | Higher commission percentage with hourly wage floor |
DOL Registered Apprentice vs. State Barber Board Apprentice
Pay requirements can differ depending on how the apprentice is registered. Elevate for Humanity operates as a DOL Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, which means apprentices in our program are subject to both federal DOL wage standards and Indiana barber board requirements.
DOL Registered Apprentice
Registered through the U.S. Department of Labor (RAPIDS). Subject to federal progressive wage requirements, structured OJT hours, and RTI. Wage schedule defined in the apprenticeship agreement filed with DOL.
State Barber Board Apprentice
Registered through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). Subject to state barber board supervision ratios, hour requirements, and sanitation standards. Pay governed by state labor law and FLSA.
Apprentices in the Elevate barber program are registered under both systems. The stricter standard applies in all cases.
Ready to Expand Your Training Programs?
Join our network of training providers and access WIOA-funded students.
Learn About Partnership