For the past three years, I have dedicated myself to instructing students in the field of nail technology. Each session, I proudly welcomed two students into my apprenticeship program, enabling them to learn and grow together. The bond they form, studying side by side, helping one another, and practicing their skills collaboratively, has always led to impressive results—my students consistently achieve exceptionally high scores on their state examinations.

However, a current law, specifically clause 100258-11a-306, threatens this proven method of instruction. According to the guidelines under section 1006(ii), direct supervision of apprentices must be provided on a one-on-one basis. Section 1008(b) further restricts that an apprenticeship supervisor may not directly supervise more than two apprentices at a time during the apprenticeship program.

While the intention of this law might be to ensure quality attention to learners, in practice, it disrupts a highly effective and beneficial model of cooperative learning. Not only does it significantly reduce my ability to take on apprentices—thereby slashing my income by more than one-third—but it also hampers the holistic development of the apprentices who benefit from peer interaction and support.

In fields such as nail technology, hands-on experience and peer learning are pivotal. Students enhance their skills by practicing on one another; they share learning resources, study collectively for exams, and support each other through their educational journey. Restricting apprentices to direct, solitary supervision undermines their growth and the quality of professionals entering the industry.

We must appeal for a public comment on this issue and revisit the apprenticeship supervision limitations. By allowing flexibility, we strengthen the apprenticeship experience, support instructors financially, and continue to nurture highly skilled professionals who will contribute to the beauty industry.

Support this petition to ensure that our apprenticeship programs remain robust, interactive, and effective, by allowing room for public discussion and potential revision of the restrictive supervisory rules. Please sign and lend your voice to uphold the quality of our professional training. Together, we can make a difference.