Creates new level of barbering license and apprenticeships in barbering, and establishes limits to hours of instruction for certain barbering training.
Under S1810, candidates for a general barber license must complete an apprenticeship lasting up to two years, which includes a minimum of 550 instructional hours covering essential subjects such as sanitation, shop management, and relevant state laws. This change is designed to increase the overall competency of new barbers entering the profession, thereby improving service quality and consumer safety within the industry. Additionally, it aims to maintain high standards within the vocational education linked to barbering.
Senate Bill S1810 proposes the creation of a new level of barbering license and establishes guidelines for apprenticeships in barbering services. The bill seeks to amend existing legislation regarding barbering practices, primarily addressing training standards and licensure requirements for aspiring barbers. Specifically, it allows the introduction of a 'general barber' license that will enable individuals to perform a variety of barbering services, including haircutting and facial hair trimming, with a streamlined pedagogical approach to training.
Some points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns related to the potential exclusion of existing barbers who may not meet the new licensure standards. Critics argue that the establishment of a new barbering level may create barriers to entry into the profession, particularly for individuals who have provided services for years without formal qualifications. Moreover, the limitations on instructive hours may raise worries about the adequacy of training received by new barbers, potentially impacting the labor market for barbering services across the state.