Training Overview
There are two parts to the apprenticeship program. The first is on the job training provided by a licensed journeyman within a member salon or spa. A “Journeyman” is considered to be a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist or barber for at least three consecutive years. Each salon or spa MUST have a ratio of at least one Journeyman to each apprentice. The members purchase approved training materials for each profession they choose to offer apprenticeship to. Apprentices are responsible for their textbooks and study guides as well as their tool kits which include items needed to participate in both types of training.
The second portion of training is entitled “Related Supplemental Instruction” (RSI). The state agencies require 144 hours per year of RSI training which includes a first aid certification. These hours are in addition to on the job training and classes are mandatory. Each class is taught by a licensed instructor at a specified location in the West, East and Central areas of the state.
Costs Involved
For the Salon or Spa Owner:
Start up costs vary depending upon which professions you choose to train apprentices in. Once the application process has begun an exact amount can be calculated. Please note that all materials are provided at the same cost to the program. Monthly dues are currently $125 per month per member; however, it could be altered to reflect increases in administration costs due to changes in program needs.
Each member salon/spa is required to pay an hourly wage to the apprentice and offer at least two of the employee benefits available. The wage scale begins at the state’s current minimum wage and increases as they reach a certain amount of hours. In addition to the hourly wage, $ .20 cents per hour worked by each apprentice is paid by the salon/spa members and goes back to the program to help with the training expenses.
The program has the option to facilitate salon/spa owner training at least two times a year and may require a class cost to cover expenses. Each member would be responsible for their own travel expenses.
For the Apprentice:
There is no tuition fee for an apprentice to enroll in this program, however, there are some costs involved. It is up to each individual member salon and spa to determine what each apprentice needs to purchase for their training. An approximate cost for materials and or tool kits would be $250 to $500.
Just as the members pay a fee per hour worked by each apprentice, you will also pay a fee per hour worked beginning at $ .40 cents and increasing as you increase in total hours worked.
All Related Supplemental Instruction classes are $28.00 per class. It is the responsibility of the apprentice to reimburse the member salon/spa for each of these classes.
Washington State requires two types of tests for licensing and both have attached fees that are either due at the time of test registration or at the location of the testing site. An approximate total for both would be $150.