How to Select the Best Barbering College Near Naugatuck Connecticut
Since you have decided to enroll in a barber school near Naugatuck CT, the process starts to search for and enroll in the ideal school. It's essential that the school you choose not only provides the necessary training for the specialty you have chosen, but also preps you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your preliminary search, you may be somewhat puzzled 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 Naugatuck home. Tuition will also be an important consideration when assessing potential barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the nearest or the cheapest it's not always the ideal option. There are various other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask about the barber colleges you are looking at later in 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 Choose Barbering?
The majority of today’s barbers no doubt were inspired to explore this profession because of their own sense of style coupled with fond memories of visiting their local barber shop. For those considering this career, several trips to the barber is most definitely in order. Taking in the atmosphere, the clientele, and the work is one of the best ways to become familiar with how a barber’s day is spent. A barber is a professional who specializes in cutting and styling men’s hair and caring for men’s facial hair, skin, and scalps. Of course they are primarily employed in barbershops, although a number of high-end hotels and spas now employ barbers full-time to serve traveling businessmen. To be successful, individuals should be friendly and outgoing, and they should enjoy meeting new people and spending the better part of their day socializing with the clients they serve. Those interested in barbering should be prepared to spend the majority of the day on their feet and working with their hands. Barbers usually enjoy flexible schedules, relaxed working environments, and a solid income once they establish a regular clientele.
What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Naugatuck CT residence, in addition to the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber college you choose 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Naugatuck CT for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many 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 individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Naugatuck CT barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And finally, check with the Connecticut school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you choose a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Naugatuck CT, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Naugatuck CT barber college provides limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. Therefore look for alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that he or she gets aid in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with local businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Naugatuck CT area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you learn what financial help may be provided in Naugatuck CT.
How to Train in Barbering in Naugatuck
Enroll in the Best Naugatuck Barber College
Selecting and enrolling in the right barber college is essential to obtain the proper training to become a licensed specialist. Make sure to ask all the questions that you require so as to feel positive about your decision. Make certain to collect all of the responses you get from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that data to contrast schools. A good start in your due diligence procedure is to make certain that the college and program you decide on are accredited and have excellent reputations within the field. If you begin with that foundation, and address the additional questions presented in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the proper selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be self-assured that you are qualified to launch your career as a professional barber in Naugatuck Connecticut.