Become a Barbershop Partner
Host apprentices at your Indiana barbershop and help develop the next generation of licensed barbers. We handle the paperwork and compliance—you provide the hands-on training and mentorship.
Who This Is For
This program is designed for established Indiana barbershops that want to train and develop apprentice barbers through a structured, USDOL-registered apprenticeship.
How It Works
The apprenticeship model separates responsibilities between the Sponsor (Elevate for Humanity) and the Worksite (your barbershop).
Sponsor (Elevate for Humanity)
Compliance & Administration
- •Handle all USDOL/RAPIDS registration and compliance
- •Coordinate required related instruction (classroom training)
- •Maintain official apprenticeship records and documentation
- •Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting
- •Conduct periodic check-ins and site visits
- •Issue completion certificates upon program finish
- •Serve as liaison with state apprenticeship office
Worksite (Your Shop)
Training & Supervision
- •Provide direct supervision during all productive work hours
- •Pay apprentice according to agreed compensation model (must meet minimum wage)
- •Verify and sign off on hours worked and competencies demonstrated
- •Maintain a safe, professional workplace environment
- •Cooperate with sponsor for documentation and compliance
- •Notify sponsor promptly of any issues or concerns
- •Allow sponsor site visits for quality assurance
Program Duration
Apprentices complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training plus required related instruction. Hours are tracked and verified by both the shop and sponsor. The sponsor handles all reporting to RAPIDS.
Compensation Models
Apprentices are paid employees who earn while they learn. Choose the compensation model that works best for your shop.
Hourly Wage
Pay a set hourly rate for all hours worked. Most common for early-stage apprentices.
Recommended for beginnersCommission
Pay based on services performed. Must meet minimum wage when averaged over pay period.
For advanced apprenticesHybrid
Base hourly rate plus commission on services. Balances stability with incentive.
Most flexible optionFunding Support
OJT subsidies may offset wages if apprentice qualifies through workforce programs.
Subject to availabilityImportant Compliance Notice
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.
This is NOT unpaid labor. Apprentices performing productive work must be compensated. The "earn while you learn" model means apprentices are paid employees from day one.
What This Program Does NOT Provide
How to Become a Partner
Submit Application
Complete the online partner application with shop and supervisor information.
Verification
We verify your shop license, supervisor credentials, and insurance coverage.
Sign MOU
Review and sign the Memorandum of Understanding outlining roles and responsibilities.
Site Approval
Your shop is approved as an official apprenticeship worksite.
Matching & Placement
We match qualified apprentice candidates with your shop based on fit and availability.
Training Begins
Apprentice starts on-the-job training under your supervision.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
All partner shops must sign an MOU before hosting apprentices. This document outlines roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both parties.
The MOU Covers:
- •Supervision requirements
- •Compensation obligations
- •Hour verification process
- •Safety and workplace standards
- •Communication protocols
- •Termination procedures
Review before applying. Signing is required to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the apprentice?
Yes. Apprentices are paid employees. You must compensate them according to your agreed model (hourly, commission, or hybrid), and all compensation must meet or exceed minimum wage requirements.
What is the difference between a Sponsor and a Worksite?
Elevate for Humanity is the Sponsor of Record—we handle registration, compliance, and related instruction. Your shop is the Worksite where the apprentice gains hands-on experience under your supervision.
How long is the apprenticeship?
The program requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training plus related instruction. Duration depends on hours worked per week, typically 12-24 months.
Can I hire the apprentice after completion?
Absolutely. Many shops hire their apprentices as full barbers upon completion. There is no obligation, but it's a common and encouraged outcome.
What if the apprentice isn't working out?
Contact us immediately. We work with both parties to resolve issues. If necessary, the apprentice can be reassigned or the placement ended according to MOU terms.
Is there funding available to offset wages?
Wage subsidies or OJT funding may be available through workforce programs depending on apprentice eligibility and current funding cycles. We can help identify potential opportunities, but funding is never guaranteed.
Do I need to provide classroom training?
No. Related instruction is coordinated by the sponsor. Your role is providing supervised practical experience in the shop.
Ready to Host an Apprentice?
Join Indiana barbershops developing the next generation of licensed barbers.