Barbering Apprenticeship Program
Master the Art of Grooming
The barbering industry is rapidly growing, with modern barbershops offering full grooming experiences that go far beyond a traditional haircut. Above The Rest Academy’s Barbering Apprenticeship Program in Ontario, California prepares students for successful careers through a combination of hands-on, on-the-job training and structured classroom instruction.
This registered barbering apprenticeship builds a strong foundation in classic barbering techniques while incorporating modern styles, tools, and grooming services used in today’s barbershops and salons. Through comprehensive theory and real-world experience, students develop the technical skills, professionalism, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s evolving grooming industry.
As a barbering apprentice, students train directly in a licensed barbershop or salon while completing required classroom education with Above The Rest Academy, preparing them for California State Board barber licensing.
Training for a Successful Barbering Career
Our barbering apprenticeship curriculum is designed to help students build confidence, precision, and career-ready skills. Apprentices receive hands-on training in cutting, shaving, styling, and grooming, along with essential business and customer service skills needed to attract and retain clients.
With clear guidance, structured learning, and focused preparation for the California State Board Barber Exam, graduates are ready to begin their careers—whether working in a professional barbershop, providing mobile services, or eventually opening their own barbering business.
Serving Students Throughout Southern California
While based in Ontario, California, this program serves students throughout Southern California, including the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, High Desert, Coachella Valley, and surrounding regions.
Students complete classroom instruction with Above The Rest Academy while training locally at an approved barbershop or salon.
Guest Speakers & Career Pathways
We also introduce students to the many opportunities available in the barbering industry. Throughout the program, guest speakers visit the academy to share their experiences and demonstrate the different career paths students can pursue. Barbering is more than working behind the chair—there are many avenues to explore, including:
Traditional & Modern Barbering
Barber in a barbershop
Barber in a salon
Mobile barber (house calls)
Shop owner
Booth renter
Apprenticeship trainer
Barber instructor (after meeting state requirements)
Barber shop manager
Franchise barbershop owner
Specialty Services
Kids’ barber
Men’s grooming specialist
Beard and mustache specialist
Loc maintenance and grooming
Hair replacement specialist (non-surgical)
Fade + design specialist
Film, TV, & Entertainment
Hollywood/on-set groomer
Commercial/advertising groomer
Music video or production groomer
Celebrity personal barber
Theme park or studio grooming staff
Mortuary barber (funeral homes)
Corrections facility barber (prisons/jails)
Military base barber
Cruise ship barber
Resort/spa barber
Business, Branding, & Education
Product ambassador or brand educator
Social media influencer (cutting content, tutorials, reviews)
YouTube/online educator
Barber product line owner (combs, oils, tools)
Educator for clipper or grooming companies (Andis, Wahl, Babyliss, etc.)
Barber in senior care facilities
Barber for sports teams/athletes
Event/competition barber
Barber trade-show presenter
Barber competition judge
Hair show platform artist
Traveling educator for schools
Pop-up barbering for festivals
Emergency shelter or nonprofit barber work
Military contractor barber
These sessions help students discover new possibilities and choose a path that matches their goals.
Barbering Apprenticeship Program
Master the Art of Grooming
The barbering industry is growing fast, with modern barbershops offering full grooming experiences beyond just a haircut. Above The Rest Academy, our Barbering Program teaches the foundation of classic barbering techniques along with today’s modern styles through strong theory and practical instruction. You’ll learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving grooming world.
Training for a Successful Career
Our curriculum focuses on helping you build confidence, precision, and career-ready skills. Students learn cutting, shaving, styling, and grooming basics, along with the business knowledge needed to attract and keep clients. With clear guidance, structured learning, and preparation for the California State Board exam, you’ll be ready to start your career—whether you choose to work in a barbershop or start your own business.
Program Highlights
- Program Type: Barbering Apprenticeship
- Language of Instruction: English
- Training Model: On-the-job training combined with classroom instruction
- Total Hours Required: 3,420 hours
- Program Length: 21–24 months
- Outcome: Eligibility to apply for the California State Board Barber Licensing Exam
- Location: Ontario, California
- Service Area: Serving Southern California
Program Highlights
- Program Type: Barbering Apprenticeship
- Language of Instruction: English
- Training Model: On-the-job training + classroom instruction
- Total Hours Required: 3,420 hours
- Program Length: 21–24 months
- Outcome: Eligibility to apply for the California State Board Barber Licensing Exam
- Location: Ontario, California (Serving Southern California)
Barbering Career Pathways
Traditional & Workplace Barbering
Core, everyday barbering roles:
- Traditional & Modern Barbering
- Barber in a Barbershop
- Barber in a Salon
- Mobile Barber (House Calls)
- Barber in Senior Care Facilities
Business Ownership & Management
For barbers interested in leadership and entrepreneurship:
- Shop Owner
- Franchise Barbershop Owner
- Booth Renter
- Barbershop Manager
Education & Training
Career paths focused on teaching and mentorship:
- Apprenticeship Trainer
- Barber Instructor*
- Traveling Educator for Schools
- Educator for Clipper or Grooming Companies
Specialty Barbering Services
Niche services that set barbers apart:
- Kids’ Barber
- Men’s Grooming Specialist
- Beard & Mustache Specialist
- Loc Maintenance & Grooming
- Hair Replacement Specialist (Non-Surgical)
- Fade & Design Specialist
Entertainment, Media & Creative Industries
High-visibility and creative opportunities:
- Film, TV & Entertainment Groomer
- Hollywood / On-Set Groomer
- Commercial & Advertising Groomer
- Music Video or Production Groomer
- Celebrity Personal Barber
- Hair Show Platform Artist
Alternative, Institutional & Travel Barbering
Unique environments and non-traditional settings:
- Theme Park or Studio Grooming Staff
- Military Base Barber
- Military Contractor Barber
- Corrections Facility Barber (Prisons/Jails)
- Mortuary Barber (Funeral Homes)
- Cruise Ship Barber
- Resort or Spa Barber
- Emergency Shelter or Nonprofit Barber
Branding, Media & Industry Influence
For barbers building influence beyond the chair:
- Product Ambassador or Brand Educator
- Social Media Influencer (Content, Tutorials, Reviews)
- YouTube / Online Educator
- Barber Product Line Owner (Combs, Oils, Tools)
- Barber Trade Show Presenter
- Barber Competition Judge
Events, Sports & Pop-Up Opportunities
Short-term, high-energy, and mobile work:
- Barber for Sports Teams & Athletes
- Event or Competition Barber
- Pop-Up Barbering for Festivals