Cosmetology Apprenticeship — Host Salon Handbook

As a host salon, you provide the hands-on training environment where apprentices develop real-world cosmetology skills under direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist.

You are not just an employer — you are a mentor and trainer. The quality of the apprentice's experience depends on the structure and support you provide.

• 1Designate a supervising cosmetologist (Indiana IPLA licensed, minimum 2 years experience) for each apprentice
• 2Maintain a supervisor-to-apprentice ratio not to exceed 1:4
• 3Allow apprentices to practice all required competencies progressively across all service categories
• 4Maintain a professional, safe, and inclusive salon environment
• 5Support apprentice attendance at Related Technical Instruction (RTI) through the Elevate LMS

Apprentices are paid employees. This is not unpaid labor. All compensation must comply with federal and Indiana wage laws.

• 1Hourly Wage — $10.00–$16.00/hour base rate (recommended starting range)
• 2Commission — 30%–50% of services performed by the apprentice (must average at least $7.25/hour per pay period)
• 3Hybrid — $8.00–$10.00/hour base + 15%–25% commission on services
• 4Tip Policy — Apprentices keep 100% of tips earned from their clients
• 5Pay Frequency — Biweekly or semi-monthly, with itemized pay stubs
• 6Workers' compensation insurance coverage is required for all apprentices

The apprenticeship requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Accurate tracking is essential for program compliance and Indiana IPLA licensure eligibility.

• 1Track all hours worked daily using the Elevate apprentice app or provided timesheets
• 2Supervising cosmetologist must verify and sign off on hours weekly
• 3Submit hour verification reports as requested by the Sponsor
• 4Report any discrepancies or missed time promptly
• 5Do not allow apprentices to perform services without direct supervision

Apprentices must demonstrate proficiency across all cosmetology service categories. You are responsible for providing opportunities to practice and for verifying skill development.

• 1Shampoo, conditioning, and scalp treatments
• 2Haircutting — basic, advanced, and razor techniques
• 3Thermal styling — blow-dry, flat iron, curling iron
• 4Chemical services — color, highlights, perms, relaxers
• 5Skin care — facial treatments, waxing, and hair removal
• 6Nail care — manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
• 7Sanitation, disinfection, and infection control procedures
• 8Client consultation, communication, and salon business operations

You must maintain a safe salon that complies with all applicable health, safety, and licensing regulations.

• 1Maintain a valid Indiana salon license in good standing at all times
• 2Follow all Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulations
• 3Ensure proper sanitation and disinfection of all tools, stations, and implements
• 4Maintain current workers' compensation and general liability insurance
• 5Provide a harassment-free and discrimination-free workplace
• 6Report any workplace injuries or incidents to the Sponsor immediately
• 7Ensure all chemical services are performed with proper ventilation and PPE

Open communication with the Sponsor (Elevate for Humanity) is essential for program success and DOL compliance.

• 1Respond to Sponsor inquiries within 2 business days
• 2Notify the Sponsor immediately of any issues with the apprentice
• 3Allow scheduled site visits for quality assurance and DOL audits
• 4Participate in quarterly check-in calls or meetings
• 5Report any changes to salon ownership, licensing, insurance, or supervising cosmetologist
• 6Notify the Sponsor within 5 business days of any apprentice termination or leave of absence

The following practices are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination of the partnership:

• 1Requiring apprentices to work without pay or below minimum wage
• 2Allowing unsupervised service delivery by apprentices
• 3Falsifying hour records or competency sign-offs
• 4Discrimination or harassment of any kind
• 5Requiring apprentices to perform non-cosmetology duties (cleaning, reception) as their primary work
• 6Withholding tips earned by the apprentice
• 7Retaliating against apprentices who report concerns to the Sponsor
• 8Allowing apprentices to perform chemical services without direct supervisor oversight

Either party may terminate the MOU with 30 days written notice. The Sponsor may terminate immediately for serious violations.

• 1If you need to end the partnership, notify the Sponsor in writing
• 2The Sponsor will work to reassign the apprentice to another approved salon
• 3All outstanding hours and compensation must be settled upon termination
• 4Return any Sponsor-provided materials or equipment
• 5Termination of the salon partnership does not affect the apprentice's standing in the program