What is the Atarashii Apprenticeship Program?
Jesse Skitrall’s path from salon owner to Executive Director at the American Board of Certified Hair Colorists (BCH) gave him a front-row seat to a major gap in beauty education. Traditional schooling works for some, but not for everyone. Especially in the virtual age. When apprenticeships started gaining traction, Jesse saw an opportunity to build an “and,” not an “or.”
That idea became Atarashii Apprenticeship, a business-to-business, apprenticeship program built in collaboration with American BCH, industry educators, state boards, and the Department of Labor. The name stems from it’s meaning: new and fresh. Their mission is to work alongside mentoring salons, spas, and studios, as well as aspiring beauty professionals, to bring structure, accountability, and core education to on-the-job training. It’s all about helping everyone, those that failed beauty school AND those that passed and want to get certified to a license.
Unlike a one-time certificate, Atarashii offers legitimate certification, giving apprentices credentials that carry real weight. Learning happens directly through the studio, supported by virtual education, assessments, and portfolio reviews, with no “school cap.” Apprentices are always learning, and they’re paid at least minimum wage.
Why a Certification?
Chief Marketing Officer, Xavier Polo, emphasizes that Atarashii isn’t here to replace beauty school. It’s here for those who didn’t thrive in it, want to re-enter the industry, or expand into new areas; even “crossovers” like barbers wanting to become colorists are not only possible, but highly encouraged.
One of the biggest takeaways from colorists is empowerment. Many apprentices leave the program saying they no longer feel “owned” by select hair color brands. The magic isn’t from the color tube, it’s in the hands of the professional. With deeper understanding comes confidence and a higher standard of work.
As education continues to explode across digital platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and TikTok, Atarashii sits at the intersection of access and accountability, proving that the future of beauty education lies in the hands of more pathways.
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