Salon Partner Program

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

Apply as a Host Salon Schedule a Call

How the Program Works

The Indiana Cosmetology Apprenticeship is a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship. Your salon hosts apprentices who train under your licensed cosmetologists while earning a wage.

Apply & Get Approved

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

Host an Apprentice

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

Grow Your Team

Apprentices complete theory through Elevate LMS, then sit for the Indiana IPLA cosmetology exam. You get a trained, licensed cosmetologist.

What Host Salons Need to Know

Workers' Compensation

Host salons 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 Cosmetologist

Designate a licensed cosmetologist (Indiana IPLA, 2+ years experience) to supervise apprentices and verify hours and competencies.

State Board & Licensing

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

Tools & Kit

Apprentices are responsible for their own cosmetology 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 salon and confirm it meets requirements.

DOL Listing

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

Approval Timeline

Submit Application

Day 1

Complete the online host salon application form.

Verification

Days 1–3

We verify your salon license and supervisor credentials with Indiana IPLA.

Video Site Visit

Days 3–5

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

MOU Signing

Days 5–6

Review and sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

Approved

~1 Week

Your salon is approved and listed as a registered worksite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a host salon?

There is no fee to become a host salon. 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 salons start with hourly and transition to commission as the apprentice develops skills.

What does the supervising cosmetologist 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 cosmetology license with at least 2 years of experience.

What is the video site visit?

A 15-minute Zoom call where we walk through your salon to confirm it meets program requirements. We look at workstations, sanitation setup, and general salon 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 IPLA cosmetology license exam. Many salons hire their apprentices as licensed cosmetologists after completion.

Will my salon be listed publicly?

Yes. Approved host salons 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 salon license number, supervising cosmetologist's license info, and your salon address and contact details.

Ready to Partner With Us?

Join the Indiana Cosmetology Apprenticeship program and start developing talent for your salon.

Start Your Application (317) 314-3757

After Your Application Is Approved

Once your application is reviewed and approved, complete these four steps to receive your first apprentice placement.

These steps require a partner account. You will be prompted to log in.

Read the Partner Handbook

Covers your responsibilities, supervision requirements, hour tracking, and compensation rules.

Acknowledge Policies

Review and acknowledge the program policies, wage requirements, and supervision standards.

Complete Required Forms

Submit your salon license, insurance certificate, and supervisor documentation.

Sign the MOU

Sign the Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the partnership and receive your first apprentice.