On July 8, 2022, Governor Wolf signed into law House Bill No. 1642 (HB 1642), which introduces out-of-school cosmetology and barber pilot programs (page 91 of the linked document). The pilot programs are similar to an internship at a salon or barbershop, during which students may gain real-world experience off campus, while still completing their cosmetology or barber training programs. The out-of-school cosmetology and barber pilot programs will each operate for three years. Schools can opt in to this pilot program, so long as they subsequently provide information to the state about their experience with the program. This program is not mandatory for schools; it is a pilot program. The bill goes into effect immediately.
Definitions
The bill provides the following definitions to help explain the cosmetology and barber pilot programs:
- CTE cosmetology student—a career and technical education student receiving a secondary education from a technical school in a cosmetology program.
- CTE barber student—a career and technical education student receiving a secondary education from a technical school in a barber program.
- Out-of-school program—a program conducted off the grounds of a career and technical school, which may include cooperative education, job shadowing, internships, community exploration, registered apprenticeships, and community service learning designed to provide students with real-world experiences under the supervision of a program educator.
- Program educator—a licensed cosmetology or barber teacher.
Pilot Program Conditions
A CTE cosmetology or barber student participating in an out-of-school program may earn between 250–350 hours of education at a salon or barbershop, and will be subject to the following:
- Students must be supervised by a licensed cosmetologist or barber or teacher who has a least five years of experience.
- Out-of-school programs must notify clients that services will be performed by a student.
- Students may receive compensation for services performed in an out-of-school program.
- Skills gained during an out-of-school program may be used for grading purposes by cosmetology and barber programs.
Requirements From Cosmetology and Barber Schools
No later than June 30, 2023, through June 30, 2025, every school participating in the pilot program must report the following information to the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology or the State Board of Barber Examiners:
- The number of cosmetology or barber students participating in an out-of-school program
- The number of salons or barbershops and licensed cosmetologists or barbers participating in an out-of-school program
- The average number of hours cosmetology or barber students are participating in an out-of-school program
- The average number of cosmetology or barber students who participated in an out-of-school program and gained employment as a result