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Barbering is part skill, part art. Learn your craft and hone your skills in a career that is a cut above the rest. If you have a passion for hair and enjoy helping others look and feel their best, start your career as a barber now. As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience shampooing, cutting, trimming, and styling hair and beards, as well as providing scalp treatments and facial massages. Plus, you’ll learn and practice important skills like maintaining a clean work area and tools, as well as keeping records of your clients’ treatments and appointments. You’ll get business savvy as you learn how to run a successful and profitable barbering enterprise.

  • Train for just two years with combined work on-the-job and in the classroom of 2,000 hours.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes! 
  • Upon completing the program and passing your State Barber License exam, you’ll become a licensed barber, ready to continue your career and pursue your passion for hair.

Qualifications

You must be in good physical health and able to stand for long periods of time, possess finger dexterity, a sense of form and artistry and work well with the public.

Get started as a Barber Apprentice

  1. Contact the local WI DWD-BAS Apprenticeship Training Representative at 414-216-8417 to begin identifying or planning your apprenticeship.
  2. If an employer wishes to hire you, they will submit an apprentice application to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). You will be given a credential notice if the DWD determines that you meet the Bureau of Apprentice Standards qualifications.
  3. You and your employer will submit the credential notice, the Apprentice Application (Form #1488) and the fee ($10.00) to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935. 
  4. The Department of Safety and Professional Services will issue the apprentice permit after the application is approved. You may begin to work after your permit is issued. Your permit will be valid for three (3) years.
  5. Once your permit is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books. 

If you need assistance getting started, Gateway’s Apprenticeship Department is happy to help.

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-502-5 Barbering Apprentice Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Barber Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf