Barber Apprenticeship
DOL RegisteredDOL Registered Apprenticeship in barbering. Complete 2,000 hours of training (1,500 OJT + 500 RTI) to earn your Indiana Barber License.
New Program — Now Enrolling
This is a new DOL Registered Apprenticeship program currently rolling out in the Indianapolis metro area. We are actively seeking licensed barbershops to partner as host training sites. Apprentice spots are limited — there is a waiting list. Sign up below to reserve your place or apply as a partner barbershop.
Career Pathway
Start as a Barber Apprentice earning $24,000–$30,000 while you train under a licensed barber at a host shop. After completing 2,000 hours and passing the Indiana state exam, you become a Licensed Barber ($30,000–$45,000). With 3–5 years of experience and an established clientele, you advance to Senior Barber ($45,000–$65,000). Many graduates go on to open their own shop as a Shop Owner / Master Barber ($65,000–$100,000+).
Measurable Outcomes
By program completion, apprentices perform six standard haircut styles — fade, taper, buzz, scissor-over-comb, flat top, and shape-up — to client satisfaction. You will execute straight razor shaves following Indiana sanitation protocols, identify and treat common scalp conditions, and demonstrate proper disinfection procedures per Indiana Board standards. Each apprentice completes 1,500 hours of on-the-job training at a licensed shop, builds a client portfolio of 50+ documented services, and passes the Indiana Barber License written and practical exams.
Credentials Earned
Indiana Barber License
Issued by Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license required to practice barbering in Indiana. Earned after completing 2,000 apprenticeship hours and passing the state exam.
Valid: Renewable every 4 years
DOL Registered Apprenticeship Certificate
Issued by U.S. Department of Labor
National credential recognizing completion of a registered apprenticeship program. Portable across all 50 states.
Valid: Lifetime
Barbershop Business Management Certificate
Issued by Elevate for Humanity
Business fundamentals for barbers: client management, booking systems, pricing strategy, and shop operations.
CPR / First Aid / AED
Issued by American Heart Association
Emergency response certification.
Valid: 2 years
Ready to Start?
Choose the right path for where you are in the process.
Inquiry Application
Not sure if this program is right for you? Submit an inquiry and a career advisor will contact you to discuss eligibility, funding options, and next steps. No commitment required. Use the inquiry form →
Submit InquiryEnrollment Application
Ready to enroll? Complete the full application to begin the admissions process. Includes funding eligibility check, background information, and program agreement. BNPL payment plans available.
Apply to Enroll
Partner Barbershop Program
Our apprenticeship depends on licensed barbershops willing to host and train apprentices on the job. As a Partner Barbershop, you provide the supervised on-the-job training environment where apprentices complete their 1,500 OJT hours. We handle all the paperwork — hour tracking, state compliance, curriculum delivery, and completion documentation.
In return, you get pre-screened, motivated help during busy hours, a pipeline of potential future employees trained to your standards, and recognition as an approved DOL training site. Many host shops hire their best apprentices after completion.
To qualify, your shop must hold an active Indiana barbershop license, employ at least one licensed barber capable of supervising, and maintain a safe, professional training environment.
Career Outcomes
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid during the apprenticeship?
How long is the program?
Do I need my own barbershop?
What license do I earn?
Join the Waiting List
Apprentice spots are limited and fill quickly. Join the waiting list to be notified when the next cohort opens. Barbershop owners can also sign up to be considered as a host training site.
Admission Requirements
- • 16 years or older (Indiana minimum for barber apprentice)
- • High school diploma or GED (or actively pursuing)
- • Must be paired with a licensed host barbershop
- • No prior barbering experience required
What's Included
- • 900 hours of training (52 weeks)
- • Starter barber tool kit
- • Indiana Barber License exam fee
- • CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- • LMS access for full program duration
- • Career placement and shop matching
Employer Partners
- • Partner barbershops in Indianapolis (host shops)
- • Indiana Barber Association
Bilingual (English/Spanish) instruction available.
Modality: Hybrid — Related Technical Instruction online via LMS, On-the-Job Training at licensed host barbershop
Facility: Host barbershops across Indianapolis metro area
Equipment: Starter tool kit (clippers, shears, combs, cape), training materials, and license exam fees included
Payment: Employer-sponsored through DOL Registered Apprenticeship. Apprentices earn wages during training. Self-pay option: $3,500 with payment plans.