How to Select the Right Barbering School Near Slidell Louisiana

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Slidell LA, the process begins to search for and enroll in the right school. It's essential that the program you pick not only furnishes the proper training for the specialty you have chosen, but also readies you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your initial search, you might be somewhat puzzled 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 type of school. We'll speak a bit more about that in the following segment. If you intend on commuting to classes you will want to find a school that is within driving distance of your Slidell residence. Tuition will likewise be an important aspect when assessing potential barber schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the closest or the least expensive it's not necessarily the best option. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask about 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?

Barbering, which is as old as America itself, is certainly a career steeped in tradition. Many of today’s barbers use the same equipment or tools, practice the same techniques, and retain the atmosphere of barber shops of long ago. In fact, not much has changed in barbering, as this profession is considered an art form that requires skill, training, a steady hand, and a sharp eye. As a barber, you get to specialize in the cutting, trimming, and styling of hair, mustaches, and beards. Barbers are the specialists in masculine style, providing facial, shaving, and hair-cutting services to men. The barber career choice has also seen a recent resurgence or rise in popularity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. If you’re passionate about beginning a career in the barber industry and are ready to blaze a path in this booming industry, then entering this particular field does require you to obtain specialized schooling.

Questions to Ask Barber Schools

Below is a list of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Slidell LA residence, together with the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue 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 additional factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have compiled several of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.

Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber school you enroll in 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Slidell LA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Good Reputation?  Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Slidell LA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, consult the Louisiana school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  Many beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your goal 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 launch a barber shop in Slidell LA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.

Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided?  Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Slidell LA barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for developing your skills. Therefore look for alternate schools that provide this kind of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she receives assistance in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer assistance develop relationships with area employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Slidell LA area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Aid Available?  Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 accessible to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an alternative until you find out what financial help may be available in Slidell LA.

How to Choose a Barber College in Slidell

Choose in the Right Slidell Barber School

Choosing and enrolling in the ideal barber school is important to receive the appropriate training to become a licensed technician. Make sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel confident about your decision. Don't forget to compile all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to contrast schools. A reasonable start in your due diligence process is to make sure that the institution and program you choose are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the profession. If you begin with that foundation, and address the additional questions provided in this article, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the ideal selection. And when you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be self-assured that you are qualified to launch your new career as a professional barber in Slidell Louisiana.

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