How to Find the Right Barber College Near Scottsdale Arizona

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Scottsdale AZ, the process starts to locate and enroll in the best school. It's important that the program you choose not only furnishes the proper instruction for the specialty you have decided on, but also prepares you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your initial search, you might be rather confused about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the titles are basically interchangeable and both refer to the same type of school. We'll talk a little bit more about that in the upcoming section. If you intend on commuting to classes you will want to find a school that is within driving distance of your Scottsdale home. Tuition will likewise be an important aspect when reviewing possible barber schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the nearest or the cheapest it's not necessarily the ideal option. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask about the barber colleges you are considering later within this article. Before we do, let's discuss a little bit about what barbering is and why you may want to become a barber.

Why Become a Barber?

Barbering, which is as old as America itself, is certainly a career steeped in tradition. Many of today’s barbers use the same equipment or tools, practice the same techniques, and retain the atmosphere of barber shops of long ago. In fact, not much has changed in barbering, as this profession is considered an art form that requires skill, training, a steady hand, and a sharp eye. As a barber, you get to specialize in the cutting, trimming, and styling of hair, mustaches, and beards. Barbers are the specialists in masculine style, providing facial, shaving, and hair-cutting services to men. The barber career choice has also seen a recent resurgence or rise in popularity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. If you’re passionate about beginning a career in the barber industry and are ready to blaze a path in this booming industry, then entering this particular field does require you to obtain specialized schooling.

Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs

Following is a list of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Scottsdale AZ home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have collected some of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final determination.

Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Scottsdale AZ for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.

Does the School have an Excellent Reputation?  Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Scottsdale AZ barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. And last, consult the Arizona school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty?  Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to launch a barber shop in Scottsdale AZ, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.

Is Any Hands-On Training Provided?  Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Scottsdale AZ barber school provides limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. Therefore search for other schools that provide this type of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance?  When a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he gets assistance in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with area employers that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Scottsdale AZ area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.

Is Financial Assistance Available?  Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an option before you learn what financial assistance may be provided in Scottsdale AZ.

How to Train in Barbering in Scottsdale

Enroll in the Best Scottsdale Barber School

Locating and enrolling in the right barber school is important to receive the proper training to become a licensed technician. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel positive about your decision. Be sure to collect all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to compare schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence process is to make sure that the college and program you decide on are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the field. If you begin with that foundation, and answer the additional questions supplied in this post, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the right choice. And when you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be confident that you are prepared to begin your new career as a professional barber in Scottsdale Arizona.

Scottsdale Barber Colleges | Scottsdale How To Become A Barber