Q: Can I become a Professional Hairstylist without attending beauty school?
A: YES!, In the State of California, there are two ways to become a Professional Cosmetologist. One is by going to beauty school: the other is to be sponsored through a state-approved apprenticeship program and train in a salon.
Q: WHO ARE PROGRAM SPONSORS?
A: The San Diego Cosmetology Apprenticeship Committee (SDCAC) is the state approved sponsor for San Diego County. It is this Committee (professionals within the industry) who oversee the Program and sponsor apprentices.
Q: HOW CAN A SALON QUALIFY TO TRAIN APPRENTICES?
A: The establishment must be approved to train apprentices. As part of the approval process, application will be made to the appropriate state agencies through the sponsors. Once approved, the apprentice license will be received by the salon and the apprentice can begin to work.
Q: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?
A: All training must be obtained under employment in a licensed establishment (Salon) under the supervision of a licensee (licensed cosmetologist) approved by the appropriate state agencies.
A Licensed Apprentice must meet the following requirements:
-Be at least 16 years of age and have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
-Must complete the required pre-apprenticeship training course.
-Have a trainer who is a licensed cosmetologist
-Once licensed, the apprentice must be employed for at least 32 hours a week.
-A Licensed Apprentice must attend Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI), which are required classes through the sponsorship a minimum of 3 times per month.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF APPRENTICESHIP TO THE APPRENTICE?
A: An apprentice can benefit by learning in an actual salon environment, while training under a successful professional. From day one in the salon, Apprentices witness the dynamics of daily salon business and the working hairdresser. This hands-on approach can give newcomers the formula to survive and succeed. Apprentices must be employees and are paid while they work and learn.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF APPRENTICESHIP TO THE SALON?
A: An Employer can benefit by having an individual to train who potentially becomes a valuable, skilled member of his or her work force. Apprenticeship can:
-Eliminate expensive recruitment for trained people and create a diversified and flexible work force and a qualified pool of employees with specialized skills.
-Reduce cost of employer turnover (employee and morale can be greater with training programs such as this which offer upward mobility through career development.)
-Increase productivity because employees in training programs are motivated to achieve.
-Increase productivity because after an apprentice is technically trained, they can begin to build their own clientele and become a profitable asset to your business.
-Increase trainers own productivity and allows a trainer to prioritize services and time.
-Increase motivation in the salon environment by the sharing of knowledge.
-Create a sense of accomplishment by giving back to the Industry.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE APPRENTICE TRAINING?
A: If an apprentice works full-time in the salon (40 hours a week) and successfully completes related training, it takes around 21 months to complete the requirements of 3,200 Hours of on-the-job training and 220 hours of classroom training.
Q: IS THE TRAINER REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY CLASSES TO BECOME APPROVED TO TRAIN APPRENTICES?
A: Our program requires all new potential trainers and employers to attend an Orientation. This orientation session is about one hour in length. We can work around your schedule and come to your salon. Our meeting provides information about the program, its requirements and answers to your questions. Trainers must hold a valid Cosmetology license. The trainer is approved by the State Board at the time the apprentice applies for their apprentice license.
Q: DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL AID?
A: No. However, your two-year Related Training classes are tuition free.
These required state funded classes cover the cosmetology curriculum and prepare you for Practical and Written State Board Examinations.