Search | Menu Hone your craft and get right to work. All you need is an employer sponsor.
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Program Overview
You have an eye for style and a heart for making people look and feel good. And, you’re ready to take your passion to the next level.
This means knowing not only skills and techniques to transform skin and hair, but strategies for making people feel welcome and heard. Part craftsperson and part friend, a barber holds a special place in a person’s life and in the community.
The Barber Apprenticeship program at Madison College is designed to give you on-the-job training while you work in a licensed establishment and attend school. You will be earning income during all phases of the training period, including the hours you attend classes. The costs for the materials you need to complete your apprenticeship are 100% covered too.
To get started, find a barber shop willing to apprentice you. You and the barber shop manager will work with the Department of Workforce Development to create an apprenticeship contract. Once Madison College receives this contract, you will be invited to our apprenticeship orientation.
An apprenticeship requires 2,000 hours of paid training. 288 hours of that training are spent in a virtual, online class setting.
You will train a minimum of 32 hours per week under a licensed professional. You will attend class four and a half hours per week over four semesters. 100% attendance is mandatory for the successful completion of the apprenticeship program.
Develop technical skills and client service experience through online learning and hands-on training in a real barbershop. All while getting paid. What You'll Learn
Through salon and classroom hours you will gain experience in:
- Tapered cuts and fades: clipper-over-comb and scissor-over-comb techniques, blending and transitioning lengths, modern fade styles and variations
- Shaving and beard design: straight razor shaving techniques, beard shaping and maintenance, mustache and facial hair design
- Foundational cuts: basic cutting techniques (one-length, layered, graduated), scissor and clipper control, sectioning and parting for precision
- Chemical services: hair coloring fundamentals, perming and relaxing techniques, safety and chemical application procedures
- Client-centered design: consultation and analyzing client needs, face shapes, head forms, and hair textures; creating haircut designs tailored to individuals
- Styling and finishing: Blow-drying, styling products, finishing techniques
- Science and safety: anatomy of hair and skin, infection control, sanitation, tools and equipment, safe practices
- State laws and business readiness: preparing for licensure exams and career advancement, building clientele, marketing yourself
Program Details
Barber apprenticeship classes are offered online.
After completing the Barber Apprenticeship program, you will be eligible to take the state test to become licensed as a practitioner.
Apprenticeship or Technical Diploma?
This apprenticeship is one of two pathways into a barbering career. If you'd like to complete your education faster, consider the Barber technical diploma. You'll finish in one year. Unlike an apprenticeship, it does not include paid employment while you learn. -
Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester50-502-521Trichology, Bacteriology, Sterilization and Sanitation
Examine topics related to the structure and disorders of the hair and scalp. Become familiar with the proper selection of shampoos, conditioners and treatments for providing hair care and scalp services. Study design decisions and become familiar with the techniques associated with basic hair cutting. Identify dexterity, procedures and techniques in hair cutting and hair styling needed to provide client satisfaction. Understand bacteriology and sanitation as it relates to providing hair care services. Introduction to cosmetology laws and rules.2 creditsSecond Semester50-502-522Hair Cutting, Design and Chemical Services
Gain an understanding of hair cutting and receive and introduction to chemical services. Study the physical and chemical changes that must take place in all chemical services performed. Practice the application of chemicals and the placement of permanent wave rods to achieve the desired chemical services. Become familiar with use and care of tools used in a salon setting.2 creditsThird Semester50-502-523Advanced Chemical Services and Salon Business
Continued study of tools and equipment used in a salon setting. Learn about advanced chemical services including coloring and chemical texturizing. You will also study cosmetology salon industry business operations.2 creditsFourth Semester50-502-525Facial Anatomy, Skin, Shaving, and State Board Regulations
Study the anatomy of the face in order to be able to accurately perform related services. Explore skin care and shaving techniques. Practice use, disposal, and disinfection of shaving tools. Review blood exposure, barber/cosmetology laws and rules and its application to providing services to the client's in a safe and sanitary manner. Review for State Exam and the final exam for your apprenticeship training.2 credits -
How to Apply
1. Secure an Apprenticeship Position
To get started, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly with employers who are hiring apprentices.
2. Apply to Madison College
After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College.
Application Dates
- Fall 2027 Application Open
- The application deadline is August 31, 2027
3. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract
Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.
4. Get Ready to Start Classes
Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Barbering Apprentice program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Apply safety and sanitation procedures.
- Adhere to the current Wisconsin administrative codes and statutes for barbering.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills for success.
- Perform haircutting and barbering services.
- Perform shaving and skin care services.
- Perform chemical services.
- Demonstrate hairstyling and finishing techniques.
- Develop strategies to market products and services.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 1 2 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2024 2025 Graduates Employed 0 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job 0 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change 0 0 Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest 0 0 Percent Personal Interest Other 0 0 Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 0 Before Enrollment 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 0 In College District 0 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week
