How to Select the Right Barber School Near Norwalk Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Norwalk CT, the process starts to find and enroll in the right school. It's imperative that the program you pick not only provides the appropriate training for the specialty you have selected, but also preps you for passing the licensing exam. When you begin your initial search, you may be rather unclear about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the titles are essentially interchangeable and both refer to the same kind of school. We'll speak a bit more regarding that in the next section. If you intend on commuting to classes you will want to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Norwalk home. Tuition will likewise be an important aspect when evaluating prospective barber schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the nearest or the least expensive it's not automatically the ideal choice. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask about 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 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.
Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Norwalk CT residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have collected several of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified 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 ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Norwalk CT for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Norwalk CT barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And finally, contact the Connecticut school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your dream is to open a barber shop in Norwalk CT, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Norwalk CT barber college offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he gets aid in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with local employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Norwalk CT area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an alternative before you find out what financial aid may be provided in Norwalk CT.
How to Choose a Barber College in Norwalk
Choose in the Best Norwalk Barber College
Selecting and enrolling in the right barber college is important to obtain the proper training to become a licensed practitioner. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel confident about your decision. Be sure to compile all of the information you get from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then utilize that information to compare schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence process is to make certain that the college and program you pick are accredited and have impressive reputations within the profession. If you start with that foundation, and answer the additional questions presented 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 qualified to begin your career as a professional barber in Norwalk Connecticut.