How to Pick the Best Barbering Academy Near Atascadero California

Once you have decided to attend a barber school near Atascadero CA, the task begins to locate and enroll in the ideal school. It's imperative that the program you select not only furnishes the appropriate training for the specialty you have decided on, but also readies you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your preliminary search, you may be somewhat puzzled about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the names are pretty much interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. We'll talk a little bit more concerning that in the upcoming section. If you plan on commuting to classes you will want to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Atascadero residence. Tuition will also be an important factor when assessing prospective barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the nearest or the least expensive it's not automatically the best option. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask concerning the barber colleges you are looking at later within this article. Before we do, let's discuss a bit about what barbering is and why you may want to become a barber.

Why Choose Barbering?

Hairstyles are increasingly being considered by people to be a projection of their personalities.  As a result, barbers are still very much in demand. However, most people are looking for trained professionals and will not just drop in on any local barber shop displaying a red, white and blue pole. Training to become a barber is a career move that offers many benefits for those that are both artistic and sociable.  The artistic side is indulged by creating a plethora of different and sometimes challenging hairstyles. The social aspect obviously comes into play by keeping the customer engaged while creating your masterpiece. In fact, some barbers are so proud of their artistic accomplishments that they will take photos of their finished hairstyles and post them on their websites as a portfolio to attract new clients.  And barbering lends itself to a more intimate form of customer service by providing time with the client while cutting his (or her) hair.  This time spent together can lead to the development of a rapport or even a new friendship. As a result, many customers come back not only because they are pleased with the service, but also to enjoy the social amenities that their neighborhood barbershop can offer.

Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs

Below is a list of questions that you should research for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Atascadero CA 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 preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have collected some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.

Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber training program you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Atascadero CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Any barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Atascadero CA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And finally, contact the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to open a barber shop in Atascadero CA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you require.

Is Any Live Training Provided?  Practicing and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Atascadero CA barber college offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that offer this type of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance?  When a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she receives support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with area employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Atascadero CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Aid Available?  Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students also. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not discard it as an option until you determine what financial aid may be offered in Atascadero CA.

How to Choose a Barber College in Atascadero

Choose in the Right Atascadero Barber College

Choosing and enrolling in the right barber college is essential to get the proper training to become a licensed specialist. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to in order to feel certain about your decision. Make certain to collect all of the information you receive from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that information to compare schools. A good start in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the institution and program you choose are accredited and have excellent reputations within the profession. If you start with that base, and address the additional questions supplied in this article, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the right choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be confident that you are prepared to start your career as a professional barber in Atascadero California.

Atascadero Barbering Colleges | Atascadero Schools For Barbering