💇♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Michigan Salon and Barbershop Owners 💈
❓ Q1: Can I offer an apprenticeship program in my salon or barbershop?
✅ Yes, you can. The state of Michigan offers an apprenticeship path to professional licensure for barbers, cosmetologists, and other professionals. However, this program must be officially registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
🔍 Q2: What's the difference between a state-registered apprenticeship and a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship?
🤔 This is a common point of confusion. For the purpose of training a professional for state licensure in the barber or cosmetology industry, the only apprenticeship that counts is the one registered and approved by Michigan LARA.
📘 Michigan LARA Apprenticeship: This program's sole purpose is to meet the state's professional licensing requirements. It is regulated by the Michigan Occupational Code and its associated rules. It is the mandatory path for an apprentice to earn the hours needed to sit for the state licensing exam.
🌐 USDOL Registered Apprenticeship: This is a broader, federal "earn and learn" model. While some programs may be registered with both entities, the USDOL registration is not a substitute for the LARA-mandated registration required for a state license in Michigan. The LARA registration is the one that gives your apprentice the official hours credit. Learn more at Apprenticeship.gov.
🏫 Q3: I've heard of Barcos Institute. How can they help me as a salon or barbershop owner with apprenticeships?
📚 Barcos Institute, Inc. is a sponsor of a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship program for barbers. This program is competency-based and includes both on-the-job training and related instruction. Barcos Institute provides the required related instruction, which is a minimum of 144 hours per year and covers topics such as Barbering and Salon/Beauty Salon Management. The program includes a work process schedule that outlines the specific competencies an apprentice must master, such as cutting and trimming hair, cleaning and sterilizing tools, and providing massages. You may be able to partner with Barcos Institute to participate in their Registered Apprenticeship program.
🤝 Q4: How can I become an employer partner with Barcos Institute?
📋 Based on their program standards, Barcos Institute, Inc. sponsors a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for barbers. This program follows a competency-based approach and requires a partnership between the sponsor (Barcos Institute), the apprentice, and an employer. As an employer partner, you would likely be responsible for providing the hands-on, on-the-job learning outlined in the program's work process schedule. The program specifies a ratio of one apprentice to one mentor. Meanwhile, Barcos Institute is listed as the provider of the required related instruction, which is a minimum of 144 hours per year. To become a partner, you would need to contact Barcos Institute directly to align your shop's capabilities with the program's requirements.
📑 Q5: What are the requirements for my business to offer an apprenticeship?
To be eligible to host an apprenticeship program, your establishment must:
📍 Hold an active and current Michigan establishment license for your specific trade (e.g., barbershop, cosmetology salon).
👨🏫 Have a licensed practitioner with at least three years of experience to serve as the supervising instructor.
📘 Be able to provide a curriculum that is "substantially similar" to a licensed school's curriculum and follows state-mandated training hours.
📝 Agree to maintain detailed daily and monthly records of the apprentice's hours and submit them to LARA via the MiPLUS portal.
🖥️ Q6: How do I register my establishment and an apprentice with the state?
The entire process is managed through the MiPLUS online portal. You, as the establishment owner, are responsible for initiating the registration process.
✅ Establishment Application: First, ensure your own establishment license is active and in good standing.
🧾 Apprentice Registration: Log into your MiPLUS account and submit an online application for the apprentice. You will need to provide their information and pay the necessary processing fees.
⏳ Approval: You must wait for the apprentice's registration to be officially approved by LARA before they can begin accumulating hours. Hours worked before this approval will not be counted.
📋 Q7: What are my responsibilities as the apprenticeship instructor or owner?
Your responsibilities are significant and include:
👀 Supervision: The apprentice must be under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner at all times.
🗂️ Record Keeping: You must maintain a daily record of the apprentice's hours and submit a completed monthly report to LARA via the MiPLUS portal. These records must be kept for at least seven years.
📚 Curriculum: You must ensure the apprentice is receiving training in all the required areas, including both theoretical and practical applications, as outlined by Michigan law.
🎓 Certification: Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, you must provide the apprentice with a Certification of Completion form, which they will need to submit to the state to be eligible for their licensing exams.
👥 Q8: How many apprentices can I have at one time?
📌 A licensed establishment that has successfully trained at least one apprentice is generally eligible to train additional apprentices. However, a single establishment is limited to having no more than two apprentices at the same time.
💆♂️ Q9: Can my apprentice work on clients?
✅ Yes, but only after they have met specific hour requirements. An apprentice in the general cosmetology curriculum, for example, may only practice on the public after completing at least 350 hours of instruction, which must include both theory and practical applications. The specific hour requirements vary by profession (e.g., manicuring, skin care).
🧩 1. Barcos Institute Employer Partner Pathway
🧾 Step 1: Eligibility
✅ Licensed Michigan salon/barbershop
👨🏫 Practitioner with 3+ years of experience
📞 Step 2: Partner with Barcos Institute
📬 Contact Barcos Institute
📋 Review USDOL Apprenticeship standards
🤝 Formalize partnership and agree to mentor apprentices
🎓 Step 3: Apprentice Training
📚 Barcos provides 144+ hours/year of instruction
✂️ Employer provides hands-on training
🗂️ Submit monthly reports via MiPLUS
🏁 Step 4: Completion & Licensure
🧾 Issue Certification of Completion
📝 Apprentice applies for state exam
🎉 Apprentice becomes licensed
🧩 2. Michigan LARA Apprenticeship Pathway
🏢 Step 1: Establishment Setup
✅ Licensed Michigan establishment
👩🏫 Qualified supervising instructor
📘 Step 2: Curriculum & Records
📖 Curriculum similar to licensed schools
📊 Maintain daily logs & monthly reports
🖥️ Step 3: Register Apprentice via MiPLUS
📝 Submit application & fees
⏳ Wait for LARA approval
🎓 Step 4: Training & Completion
⏱️ Apprentice completes required hours
🧾 Issue Certification of Completion
📝 Apply for state exam
🎉 Apprentice becomes licensed
🧩 3. Barcos Institute Curriculum Consulting Option
📞 Step 1: Contact Barcos Institute
📬 Request curriculum consulting
🔍 Step 2: Review & Align
📋 Barcos reviews your curriculum
🛠️ Provides guidance to meet state standards
🚀 Step 3: Implementation
🧠 Update your curriculum
📝 Optionally register with LARA or USDOL