How to Pick the Right Barbering Classes Near Novato California
Now that you have decided to attend a barber school near Novato CA, the task starts to locate and enroll in the right school. It's imperative that the school you select not only furnishes the proper instruction for the specialty you have decided on, but also preps you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your preliminary search, you may be somewhat confused about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both relate to the same kind of school. We'll talk a bit more concerning that in the following section. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will want to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Novato home. Tuition will also be an important consideration when evaluating potential barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the lowest cost it's not automatically the best option. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask regarding the barber colleges you are looking at later within this article. Before we do, let's talk a bit about what barbering is and why you may want to become a barber.
Why Become a Barber?
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.
What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Novato CA residence, together with the cost of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber college you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Novato 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, a number of businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Novato CA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. Finally, consult the California school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Novato CA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Novato CA barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for developing your skills. So try to find alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he receives assistance in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Novato CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an option before you find out what financial aid may be offered in Novato CA.
How to Train to Be a Barber in Novato
Choose in the Best Novato Barber College
Finding and enrolling in the right barber college is imperative to get the proper training to become a licensed technician. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel certain about your decision. Be sure to consolidate all of the responses you get from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then utilize that information to contrast schools. A good start in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the institution and program you pick are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the field. If you begin with that foundation, and answer the additional questions provided in this article, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the ideal choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be self-assured that you are qualified to begin your career as a professional barber in Novato California.