How to Select the Best Barber School Near Homestead Florida

Now that you have made a decision to attend a barber school near Homestead FL, the process begins to locate and enroll in the best school. It's important that the school you pick not only provides the proper education for the specialty you have selected, but also readies you for passing the licensing exam. When you begin your initial search, you might be rather unclear about the distinction 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 discuss a little bit more about that in the upcoming segment. If you intend on commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Homestead home. Tuition will additionally be a critical aspect when evaluating prospective barber schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the closest or the least expensive it's not necessarily the right option. There are many other factors 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 thinking about later in this article. Before we do, let's discuss a bit about what barbering is and why you may want to become a barber.

Why Become a Barber?

Barbering can be considered a subspecialty in the larger field of cosmetology. While cosmetologists train to work in hair, nails, skin, makeup, and overall beauty enhancement, barbers focus on cutting hair, almost exclusively men’s hair, and giving shaves and trimming facial hair. They might learn specialized techniques such as coloring and permanent waving like cosmetologists do, but it’s not essential. Barbers and cosmetologists also earn different licenses that specify which services they can legally perform. The first step to becoming a barber is to complete a barbering program. You might choose to enroll in a dedicated barber school or sign up for a barbering program in a cosmetology school that offers barbering as a specialty. Because states have different requirements for training and licensure, it is important to start by checking with your state cosmetology board.

What to Ask Barbering Training Programs

Below is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Homestead FL residence, in addition to the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.

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 acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for securing student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Homestead FL for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Any 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 endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Homestead FL barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Homestead FL, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.

Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided?  Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Homestead FL barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this type of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she gets help in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with local employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Homestead FL area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad 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. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 accessible to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not drop it as an alternative before you find out what financial aid may be available in Homestead FL.

How to Train in Barbering in Homestead

Enroll in the Right Homestead Barber College

Picking and enrolling in the right barber school is imperative 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. Don't forget to consolidate all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that information to compare schools. A reasonable beginning in your due diligence process is to make sure that the school and program you choose are accredited and have exceptional reputations within the profession. If you begin with that base, and answer the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to reduce your list of schools so that you can make the ideal selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be confident that you are qualified to start your new career as a professional barber in Homestead Florida.

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