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Program Overview
Apprentice at a local salon of your choice and get real-world experience from your sponsor. You will earn income during all phases of the training period, including the time you spend in the classroom. The costs for the materials you need to complete your apprenticeship are 100% covered too.
To get started, find a salon willing to apprentice you. You and the salon 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 4,000 hours of paid training. 288 hours of that training are spent in the classroom.
In the Salon
You will train a minimum of 32 hours per week under a licensed professional while learning these skills:
- Haircutting for all hair types
- Professional hair color
- Hair design and styling
- Nail technology
- Manicures and pedicures
- Scalp and facial treatments
- Cosmetic makeup analysis
- Clean/style wigs and hairpieces
- Infection control
- Client relations
- Retail methodology
- Permanent waving
- Shampooing and deep conditioning
In Class
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.
Program Details
Cosmetology apprenticeship classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
After completing the program, you will be ready to apply for your cosmetology practitioner’s license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
For more information on classroom instruction, please contact:
businessandappliedarts@madisoncollege.edu.Careers in Cosmetology
Employers throughout Madison consider Madison College's Cosmetology graduates top candidates.
Graduates from this program are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of cosmetology, including:
- Cosmetologist
- Hair/Makeup Stylist
- Manicurist
- Esthetician
- Platform Artist
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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 Semester50-502-524Facial Anatomy, Skin & Nail Care, and State Regulations
Learn to recognize various nail irregularities, disorders and diseases in order to determine when to continue service or refer the client to a physician. Practice different procedures that are used to provide nail care services. Study the anatomy of the face in order to be able to accurately perform related services. Become familiar with skin care, hair removal and make-up. Review 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 Cosmetology Apprentice program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Apply safety and sanitation procedures.
- Adhere to the current Wisconsin administrative codes and statutes for cosmetology.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills for success.
- Perform haircutting services.
- Perform shampoo services.
- Perform skin care services.
- Perform texture services.
- Perform hair color services.
- Demonstrate hairstyling and finishing techniques.
- Perform nail services.
- Develop strategies to market products and services.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 15 13 22 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 0 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 0 0 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 0 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 0 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 0 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 0 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change 0 0 0 Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest Other 0 0 0 Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 0 0 Before Enrollment 0 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 0 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 0 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 0 0 In College District 0 0 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2023 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
