Evansville Launches One of Indiana’s First Barbering Apprenticeships

Barbering has officially joined the ranks of registered U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeships. On Thursday, Southwestern Indiana Workforce Development announced it has partnered with the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and two local barbershops to launch one of the first barbering apprenticeship programs in Indiana. The program allows students to earn while they learn: one year, 2,000 hours of hands-on shop training, and 144 hours of classroom instruction delivered by licensed professionals.

Valerie Schmidt, Business Services Manager for Southwestern Indiana Workforce Development, helped launch the initiative and says the apprenticeship opens new doors for career-seekers. The organization develops and promotes strategies to build a skilled workforce for employers while supporting job seekers in pursuing careers with competitive wages that lead to self-sufficiency.

“The registered apprenticeship is a great alternative pathway for those interested in the trade to gain valuable experience while earning a proper wage,” Schmidt said. “It’s a great opportunity to redefine and reclaim your career.”

Two barbershops will host the program: The Luxe, owned by Keoni Thompson, and Higher Image Hair Studio, owned by Tyrell Ferguson. Both men see this as an opportunity to strengthen their community through professional development, training, and mentorship.

Art McDonald, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Navigator with the SBDC, called the program a cultural milestone. “Cosmetology and barbering are community cornerstones,” he said in a press release. “With WorkOne as the driving force, this program will grow businesses, launch careers, and empower the communities these industries serve for years to come.”

For the African American community, barbershops have long served as safe havens — spaces where Black men can socialize, share information, and find camaraderie. This new apprenticeship adds another layer to that legacy, extending the role of the barbershop to include mentorship, business development, and technical training in the industry.

How the Program Works
To be recognized by the Department of Labor, as a registered barbering apprenticeship, the program must include:

• 2,000 hours of on-the-job training
• 144 hours of related technical instruction
• Documented progress via the federal RAPIDS database

The classroom instruction will be led by the business owners and as long as requirements are met, hours can be flexible. Each barbershop, The Luxe and Higher Image, can vet and select candidates to ensure they fit their needs. The Southwest Indiana Workforce offers funds and business services to assist shops in building their apprenticeship programs.

Why barbering, and why now?
A legislative change in early 2025 opened the door for barbering to be registered as an apprenticeship trade. Soon after, a group of local barbers approached McDonald with interest, which set the program in motion.

Currently, the program is geared toward adults — but with growth, it could extend to high school students seeking work-based learning.

Looking Ahead

In today’s economy, career pathways are evolving, and this program will serve as a case study for other industries that are exploring ways to equip workers. “We hope more businesses will take the opportunity to look into registered apprenticeships to continue to build up and train the future workforce,” said Schmidt.  

Local barbershops are now more than a place for fresh line-ups and unfiltered conversation but are classrooms where the next generation of professionals will grow their skills, while learning firsthand from industry professionals.