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.
What is an Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a structured workforce training model that combines three core components: education, paid on-the-job training, and a scalable wage that increases as skills and experience grow. This structure distinguishes apprenticeships from internships, which are often short-term, limited in scope, and may not include long-term employment or wage progression. Apprentices are employees who earn while they learn and work toward recognized credentials or licensure.
The Massage Therapy Apprenticeship at Willow Tree Massage Therapy is a Registered Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina. Registration ensures the program meets national standards for training quality, mentorship, and wage progression.
The apprenticeship lasts approximately one year, including time spent in school, hands-on clinical experience, and paid work. The program is intentionally structured to support the individual apprentice, combining education, real-world application, and mentorship in a way that aligns training with professional readiness.
Registered Apprenticeships are a proven workforce model. National data indicate that the vast majority of registered apprentices find employment after completing their programs, with workforce retention rates often above 90 percent, demonstrating the effectiveness of apprenticeships in supporting long-term career success.
This Massage Therapy Apprenticeship is among the first of its kind in South Carolina and represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development in massage therapy. Willow Tree Massage Therapy created the program to bridge the gap between schooling and professional practice, offering a clear, supported pathway into the field. By investing in education, mentorship, and long-term employment, the program seeks to strengthen the profession while supporting the growth of skilled, confident massage therapists.
Meet Our Apprentice
Galena Barnhouse-Colon
Hi! My name is Galena. I am a recent graduate of York Technical College’s Massage Therapy Program. I practice Swedish, Neuromuscular, and Swedish Movement Cure. I am currently an apprentice with Willow Tree Massage Therapy looking to fine tune my practice.
Massage therapy fascinates me not only because of the variety of modalities and treatment styles but also because one can reap both immediate and long-term benefits which can improve mental and physical wellbeing.
No matter if you enjoy a regular wellness massage or are targeting an ailment with deeper work I look forward to working with you in the near future!
Galena is now available for appointments!