The Atarashii Apprentice Program is Officially Available in Montana
The future of beauty education in Big Sky Country has arrived! We are thrilled to announce that the Atarashii Apprentice Program is officially available and partnering with salons, shops, and spas across Montana. This program offers an innovative, debt-free pathway for aspiring professionals to become licensed Cosmetologists, Barbers, Estheticians, Hair Designers, and Manicurists while getting paid.
This is a game-changer for the Montana beauty industry, providing a structured, federally-recognized alternative to traditional beauty school.
What is the Atarashii Apprentice Program?
The Atarashii Apprentice Program is a nationally registered sponsor with the U.S. Department of Labor. They specialize in the beauty trades and provide the official framework, curriculum, and administrative oversight to allow individuals to train on the job to meet state licensure requirements.
Key Occupations Available in Montana:
The program offers pathways to licensure in high-demand beauty occupations, combining hands-on work experience with related technical instruction (RTI).
| Occupation | Minimum Required Apprenticeship Hours | Program Length (Approx.) | Key Skills Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 3000 Hours (Min.) | ~20–24 Months | Haircutting, coloring, styling, nail services, skin care, chemical textures. |
| Barber (Non-Chemical) | 2000 Hours (Min.) | ~13–16 Months | Haircutting, shaving, beard grooming, facial hair care. |
| Barber (Chemical) | 2200 Hours (Min.) | ~15–18 Months | Includes all Barber skills plus chemical services (coloring, perming, etc.). |
| Esthetician | 2000 Hours (Min.) | ~13–16 Months | Skin care services, facials, massage, waxing, makeup application. |
| Manicurist/Nail Tech | 2000 Hours (Min.) | ~13–16 Months | Manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail enhancements. |
Note on Hours: Montana's Registered Apprenticeship requires a minimum of 2000 hours (or approximately one year) of On-the-Job Training for a certificate of completion. However, licensure for some of the beauty trades (like Cosmetology) requires a higher number of total hours via the apprenticeship pathway, as mandated by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The hours listed above meet those minimum state licensure requirements.
The Atarashii Advantage: Earn While You Learn in Montana
The apprenticeship model is powerful because it addresses the top challenges facing new beauty professionals: debt and real-world experience.
- Zero Student Debt: Apprentices are full-time, paid employees of a partner salon, spa, or shop from day one. Instead of paying tuition for training, you earn wages that increase as your skills develop.
- Real-World Experience: The majority of your training is On-the-Job Training (OJT), working directly under a licensed, experienced mentor. You learn customer service, salon management, and advanced techniques in a live, operating environment.
- High-Quality Curriculum: Atarashii provides the structured, online, and hands-on Related Technical Instruction (RTI) required for state licensure. This theory-based learning is directly integrated with your daily work.
- Direct Path to Licensure: The program is designed to meet and often exceed the required hours of training needed to sit for the Montana state licensing examination.
How Montana Salons Can Partner with Atarashii
This is a massive opportunity for Montana beauty employers to stabilize their workforce and grow their talent pipeline.
- Become an Employer Training Partner (Sponsor): Salons, spas, and barber shops can partner with Atarashii to become a registered training agent. Atarashii handles the heavy administrative lifting, including reporting, tracking hours, and providing the curriculum.
- Customized Talent: You can hire an apprentice based on their personality and fit for your shop's culture, then train them precisely to your business's standards.
- Reduce Turnover: Apprentices who are invested in by their employer are far more likely to remain loyal and become long-term, valuable journey-level workers.
Next Steps: Start Your Beauty Career with Atarashii
If you are a career-seeker or a salon owner ready to take advantage of the new Apprenticeship opportunity in Montana, here is how to get started:
For Aspiring Apprentices:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum qualifications (typically at least 16 years of age and a high school diploma/GED or equivalent by program completion).
- Apply to Atarashii: Click here to explore open positions with partner salons across Montana.
- Interview and Onboarding: Complete the application process, which often includes a video interview, to be matched with an Employer Training Partner.
For Montana Beauty Businesses:
Contact Atarashii: Click here to learn more
The Atarashii Apprentice Program brings a recognized, structured, and financially smart model to the Montana beauty trades, ensuring a bright and skilled future for the industry.
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