How to Select the Right Barber College Near Wichita Kansas
Now that you have decided to attend a barber school near Wichita KS, the process starts to find and enroll in the best school. It's imperative that the program you select not only provides the appropriate education for the specialty you have selected, but also preps you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your initial search, you may be rather confused about the contrast 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 regarding that in the next segment. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Wichita residence. Tuition will additionally be an important consideration when reviewing possible barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it's not always the right option. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask regarding the barber colleges you are considering later within this article. Before we do, let's talk a little 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.
Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Wichita KS home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
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 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 assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Wichita KS for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. 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, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Wichita KS barber shop owners or managers, or anyone 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, contact the Kansas school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick 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 desire is to start a barber shop in Wichita KS, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering techniques and abilities demands lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Wichita KS barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for developing your skills. So search for alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she receives support in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with area businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Wichita KS area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out 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 as well. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not drop it as an option until you find out what financial assistance may be provided in Wichita KS.
How to Choose a Barber College in Wichita
Enroll in the Best Wichita Barber School
Picking and enrolling in the right barber training program is essential to receive the appropriate training to become a licensed practitioner. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to in order to feel certain about your decision. Make sure to organize all of the information you get from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to contrast schools. A good start in your due diligence procedure is to make certain that the institution and program you choose are accredited and have excellent reputations within the profession. If you start with that foundation, and address the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the ideal choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be self-assured that you are ready to start your career as a professional barber in Wichita Kansas.