Written By Stimulus Consultant Kim Fleming
This Apprenticeship Month, we celebrate the innovative work of R&R Head Labs in Denver, a small business using barbering as a pathway to opportunity for veterans and justice-involved individuals. With the help of stimulus funds through the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) and the Small Business Apprenticeship Support (SBAS) grant, R&R Head Labs is expanding its Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), providing meaningful career opportunities to underserved communities.
A Pathway to Prosperity
R&R Head Labs focuses on empowering formerly incarcerated individuals and veterans by offering them the tools to reintegrate into society through skilled trades. Partnering with the Academy of Cosmetology Arts, the program equips apprentices with 300 classroom hours and 2,000 on-the-job training hours to meet barbering licensing requirements.
The organization works with local partners, such as Life-Line Colorado, Second Chance Center, Colorado Department of Corrections, and the Colorado Apprenticeship Hub to recruit participants and provide essential reentry resources, including career coaching and scholarships. R&R Head Labs also conducts outreach in correctional facilities, inspiring individuals to envision a future in barbering upon release.
Strengthening Programs Through Stimulus Funds
Through a grant funded by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), R&R Head Labs is enhancing its apprenticeship program by:
- Improving onboarding processes for new apprentices.
- Expanding mentorship opportunities to ensure long-term success.
- Supporting training for mentors and administrative roles.
The grant allows small businesses like R&R Head Labs to reduce financial burden, improve job quality, and establish apprenticeship programs tailored to their needs. Stimulus funding has also enabled the CWDC to provide technical assistance through a partnership with Apprenticeship Colorado, ensuring high-quality program design and oversight.
Transforming Lives
The R&R Head Labs apprenticeship program is more than just a job opportunity—it’s a chance to rebuild lives. Participants like James Canody, featured in the Nov. 11 Denverite, discovered his passion for cutting hair while incarcerated and have turned barbering into fulfilling careers thanks to R&R Head Labs.
By bridging the gap between small businesses and communities in need, R&R Head Labs exemplifies how apprenticeships can create economic mobility while fostering a skilled and dynamic workforce.