Earn your Indiana Cosmetology License while getting paid.
DOL Registered Apprenticeship. 2,000 hours of supervised salon training under a licensed cosmetologist. Earn wages from day one.
- DOL Registered Apprenticeship
- Earn wages from day one
- Indiana Cosmetology License
- Salon-based training
How it works
Learn
Complete Milady theory online — hair, skin, nails, sanitation, state law, and exam prep.
Train
Work in a licensed salon under a cosmetologist-mentor. Earn wages while logging your 1,500 required hours.
Get Licensed
Pass the Indiana IPLA written and practical exams and earn your Indiana Cosmetology License.
Cosmetology Apprenticeship Career Pathway
Eligibility & Career Alignment
Determine funding eligibility and select your career pathway.
Training & OJT
Complete occupational training with structured on-the-job learning.
Internship & Placement
Employer-hosted placement to support employment transition.
Elevate for Humanity delivers all training through a structured career pathway. Participants begin with an eligibility and career alignment phase, where funding eligibility is determined and program selection occurs. Once eligibility is confirmed, participants enter occupational training with structured on-the-job learning. Training is followed by an employer-hosted internship or work-based placement. Program enrollment, training, and placement are contingent upon eligibility, funding availability, and employer participation.
Program Description
Launch your career in the beauty industry through our DOL-registered apprenticeship program. Gain hands-on experience while earning, with comprehensive theory instruction through Milady.
Our program combines federal apprenticeship sponsorship with employer coordination and compliance reporting to ensure you meet all requirements for a successful career in cosmetology.
Registered Cosmetology Apprenticeship Sponsorship, Oversight & Related Instruction (Milady Theory).
This program provides federal apprenticeship sponsorship, employer coordination, compliance reporting, and related instruction. Practical skills training and licensure-required instructional hours are provided by a licensed cosmetology school. This program does not grant cosmetology licensure or clock hours toward state exams.
Indiana Cosmetology Requirements
- 1,500 hours of cosmetology training required
- Pass written and practical exams
- Prepares learners for licensure through Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA)
What the Program Fee Covers
- DOL Registered Apprenticeship sponsorship
- Compliance and RAPIDS reporting
- Employer (salon) coordination and OJT verification
- Program monitoring and completion documentation
- Related Instruction: Milady theory curriculum
What the Program Fee Does NOT Cover
- Practical hands-on cosmetology training
- State licensure-required instructional hours
- Cosmetology school enrollment
Program Fee
The program fee applies regardless of transferred hours. Credit for prior learning may reduce the duration of participation but does not alter the program fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $4,980 change if I transfer in hours?
No. The program fee is a flat rate. Transferred hours reduce time-in-program, not the scope of services or fee.
Does this program replace cosmetology school?
No. Apprentices must complete licensure-required instructional hours through a licensed cosmetology school.
What does the $4,980 cover?
Federal apprenticeship sponsorship, compliance reporting, employer coordination, Milady theory instruction, and program completion documentation.
How many hours are required for an Indiana cosmetology license?
Indiana requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training to be eligible for licensure.
What's the difference between cosmetology and barber?
Cosmetology covers hair styling, coloring, chemical treatments, skincare, and nail services. Barbering focuses on hair cutting, shaving, and beard trimming. Cosmetology requires 1,500 hours; barbering requires 2,000 hours in Indiana.
Multi-Region RequirementsRead Before Choosing a Shop
We are based in Indiana, but host site requirements vary by region (state licensing boards, workforce board policies, and employer eligibility standards). Your selected training region's rules determine which shops are eligible to host your apprenticeship. We verify each host site based on regional licensing and compliance standards before placement is confirmed.
- •Requirements may differ for Indiana, Illinois (including Chicago/Cook County), and other states.
- •Host site approval is required before placement is finalized.
- •If a site does not meet regional requirements, you must choose another eligible shop.
Host Shop Requirements
Per Program Track
The shop/salon you choose must meet state/local licensing and workplace standards based on your training region. Host sites must be approved before apprenticeship placement is confirmed.
Universal Host Site Requirements
These requirements apply to ALL apprenticeship tracks:
- •The business must be properly licensed and in good standing in the selected region (e.g., Indiana barber establishment license, cosmetology license, etc.).
- •A licensed professional appropriate to the program track (Barber, Cosmetology, etc.) must be designated as the on-site supervisor.
- •The site must agree to apprenticeship documentation (training plan, time/attendance logs, evaluations) and cooperate with compliance verification.
- •Sanitation, infection control, and workplace safety standards must be followed as required by the licensing board for the region.
- •Appropriate business insurance is required (general liability, workers' compensation if applicable).
- •Apprentices may only perform services within the permitted scope as allowed by regional licensing and supervision.
Cosmetology — Host Shop Guidelines
- Must be a licensed cosmetology establishment (salon) in good standing for the selected region.
- Must designate a licensed cosmetologist (or region-authorized equivalent supervisor) to oversee on-the-job training.
- Must have adequate stations and tools to support apprentice learning.
Host site approval is required before placement is finalized. Approval includes license verification and a readiness review (supervision, safety, documentation) based on the selected region.
Shop Approval Process
Select Region & Submit Shop
Apprentice selects Training Region and submits preferred shop(s) with address, owner/manager contact, and supervisor name/license type.
License Verification
We verify license status and confirm the supervisor's credentials for the selected track and region.
Agreement Confirmation
We confirm the shop's agreement to documentation, evaluations, and region-specific workplace standards.
Placement Confirmed
Placement is confirmed (or we request an alternate shop if requirements are not met).
Credentials & Outcomes
Certificate of Completion issued by Elevate for Humanity Career & Technical Institute
Documents successful completion of the Cosmetology Apprenticeship training program
Preparation for third-party industry certifications
Issued by the credentialing organization upon passing their exam:
- • Indiana Cosmetology License (issued by Indiana Professional Licensing Agency)
- • USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion
Workforce-aligned training for employment pathways
- • Licensed Cosmetologist
- • Hair Stylist
- • Salon Owner/Operator
- • Cosmetology Instructor
Note: Third-party certifications and state licenses are issued by external credentialing bodies, not by Elevate for Humanity. Exam fees may apply separately.
Ready to Get Started?
Apply now to begin your Registered Cosmetology Apprenticeship.