Imagine two fresh high school graduates who want to become cosmetologists. One enrolls in beauty school, spends about a year and roughly $20,000 getting licensed. The second is hired by a salon, learns from an experienced mentor, and earns a paycheck from the very first day.
Until now, the second pathway was illegal in Illinois.
The biggest hurdle to becoming a cosmetologist is paying the bills while you learn. Illinois is changing that, joining 28 other states in allowing cosmetologists to use an apprenticeship to meet licensing requirements.
For many people, cosmetology offers a path into a skilled career without spending four years in college. However, cosmetology programs take about a year to complete in Illinois, and just one third of students complete these programs on time. During that time, many have little chance to earn a full-time paycheck. When you consider the tuition and the income that cosmetology students miss out on, licensing carries a steep cost, creating a real barrier for those from low-income backgrounds, working parents, or people switching careers.
Beauty schools aren’t the right fit for everyone; allowing apprenticeships allows people to learn the trade while satisfying licensing requirements. Working alongside an experienced professional gives apprentices hands-on experience every day. And beauty schools have a similar focus on hands-on training building the same skills.
Beauty schools aren't going anywhere. Even in states that allow apprenticeships, most aspiring beauty professionals still choose the traditional classroom route. Still, this is a valuable reform for those who would be limited by the traditional pathway and otherwise be unable to become a beauty professional.
We tend to focus on how these types of reforms help aspiring professionals, and rightfully so. But we overlook how they can help salons. When professionals invest in developing talent, they build a pipeline for new employees. Businesses in any field struggle to find employees that meet their specific needs. Apprenticeships allow salons to train future employees while shaping them to meet the business's needs.
Illinois isn’t breaking new ground. Currently, 28 states allow cosmetologists to meet licensing requirements through apprenticeships, 31 states do the same for barbers, 21 for nail technicians, and 3 for hair braiders.
If you are interested in more specific about this reform and beauty professions in Illinois, the Center for Poverty Solutions at Illinois Policy has a new policy report.
The two future cosmetologists we met at the beginning of this article don't need identical training. They just need the knowledge and experience to serve their clients well. Aspiring cosmetologists can build the necessary skills through apprenticeships. Illinois' new apprenticeship pathway accepts that people can reach the same standard through different routes.
Conor Norris the Director of Labor Research at the Knee Regulatory Research Center at West Virginia University. He is also a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of General Business at WVU.