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Board flags widespread problems in apprenticeship programs, recommends reforms for 2026 sunset report
Summary
Board staff reported apprentices paying thousands in tuition, widespread on‑the‑job training violations and franchised training facilities. The board directed staff to include proposed regulatory and legislative changes in the 2026 sunset report and discussed a task force to develop reforms.
The California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology on May 19, 2025, focused an extended portion of its meeting on the status of cosmetology and barbering apprenticeship programs, reporting widespread problems and directing staff to pursue reforms in the board’s 2026 sunset review.
Executive Officer Christy Underwood told the board that investigators interviewed 115 apprentices and found significant payments and inconsistent program practices across sponsors. "Board staff spoke to 115 apprentices and found 25 apprentices, stated that they've paid 2,500 to 2,800; 7 apprentices stated they pay 3 to 3,500; ... 3 stated they paid $10,000; 2 apprentices stated they paid $15,000 for tuition to an apprenticeship program sponsor," Underwood said in the record. The board said those payments conflict with the apprenticeship model of "earn while you learn" and that many apprentices reported being paid…
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