Apprenticeship is optional for schools to participate in. The new rules will require a student to initially be enrolled as an apprentice student, first complete 750 classroom hours, pass the theory exam, then engage in apprenticeship with a pre-approved (with the school) salon/mentor who will log and report hours and student progress to the school. You cannot enroll as a traditional student and then transfer to the apprentice program. The mentor must have been licensed for a minimum of 10 years and the supervising licensed professional’s license must be current at all times while providing supervision. The apprenticeship program works as a one-on-one relationship. The mentor, or supervising professional (as stated in the Rule) can only take on one student at a time. The shop must post a sign that apprentice students practice in the shop (at least 8X10) but it is not limited to the number of apprentices, only that each one is under one “supervising professional”. Last but not least, the student must have their own work space.
Key Notes:
1. A person cannot take an apprenticeship. The school must decide to offer it.
2. Students cannot transfer into an apprenticeship. Their contract with the school who participates in this will state that it is an apprenticeship and no practical hours will be done at the school.
3. After they complete their theory hours at the school and pass the theory exam. They will be put with a participating salon who is in partnership with the school. They will have a supervising mentor at the salon in a one on one relationship. That mentor is required to have ten years or more experience and is responsible for the students remaining hours.
4. The Cosmetology Board does not over-ride or make exemptions to this process. This is up to the schools and their partner shops/salons on participating in the apprenticeship program.