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South Carolina's First Massage Therapy Apprenticeship Program
Willow Tree Massage Therapy is proud to offer South Carolina’s first registered Massage Therapy Apprenticeship, in partnership with York Technical College, Apprenticeship Carolina and officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Created in 2025, this innovative program is designed to support massage therapy students as they move through their education—combining paid, on-the-job learning with real clinical experience in a nurturing, professional environment.
About Our Massage Therapy Apprenticeship
At Willow Tree Massage Therapy, our Massage Therapy Apprenticeship is built on care, professionalism, and steady growth. The program is designed to bridge the gap between education and real-world practice by giving massage therapy students the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced, supportive professionals in the field.
Apprentices develop and refine their hands-on skills and techniques while also gaining practical knowledge of the business side of massage therapy—including client communication, scheduling, professional boundaries, and what it takes to build a sustainable practice.
After licensure, apprentices begin working directly with clients while continuing to receive ongoing mentorship and feedback from senior therapists. This structure allows for a confident transition into professional practice with continued guidance and support.
At Willow Tree Massage Therapy, we value long-term relationships and career stability. Apprentices who successfully complete the program are guaranteed employment with Willow Tree Massage Therapy, providing a clear and reliable path from student to professional massage therapist.
“Traditionally, apprenticeship has been a rite of passage on the path to mastery. To me it is the practice of the humility to learn with respect for the wisdom of the experienced.”
- Galena Barnhouse-Colon
Willow Tree Massage Apprentice 2025-2026
An apprenticeship is a structured training model that blends education, paid on‑the‑job experience, and a wage that grows with skill. Unlike internships, apprentices are employees who earn while they learn and work toward recognized credentials.
The Massage Therapy Apprenticeship at Willow Tree Massage Therapy is a Registered Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina. This registration ensures national standards for training quality, mentorship, and wage progression.
The program lasts about one year and combines schooling, hands‑on clinical work, and paid employment. It’s intentionally designed to support each apprentice with education, real‑world practice, and mentorship that aligns training with professional readiness.
Registered Apprenticeships are a proven workforce model, with national data showing strong employment and retention outcomes. This program is among the first of its kind in South Carolina and reflects a forward‑thinking approach to developing skilled, confident massage therapists.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Meet Our Apprentices
Dakotah Huskey
Hello! My name is Dakotah. I am currently studying Massage Therapy at York Technical College. I am completing my apprenticeship with Willow Tree Massage Therapy and continuing to refine my massage therapy skills. I am excited to learn from our therapists at Willow Tree Massage Therapy. I am drawn to massage therapy because I am very passionate about promoting health, wellness, and relaxation. I enjoy helping others relax and reconnect with their bodies. I strive to provide calm, professional, and attentive care to each client. I look forward to meeting you and working with you in the future!
Jason Shepard
Hi, I’m Jason! I’m currently studying massage therapy while completing my apprenticeship with Willow Tree Massage Therapy. I am drawn to massage therapy because it enables me to combine practical knowledge with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how someone feels. As I continue developing my skills under the guidance of Willow Tree’s experienced therapists I aim for my approach to be listening, attentive, thoughtful and individualized with the goal of an experience where you can feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely cared for.
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