How to Enroll In the Right Barbering College Near Madison Heights Michigan

Since you have decided to attend a barber school near Madison Heights MI, the process begins to search for and enroll in the right school. It's essential that the program you pick not only furnishes the necessary training for the specialty you have selected, but also prepares you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your initial search, you may be somewhat confused 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 pertain to the same kind of school. We'll talk a bit more about that in the upcoming section. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will want to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Madison Heights residence. Tuition will likewise be a critical aspect when reviewing possible barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the lowest cost it's not necessarily the ideal option. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask concerning the barber colleges you are considering 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 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 Training Programs

Below is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Madison Heights MI residence, in addition to the expense of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want 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 must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have put together 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 certain that the barber school 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 guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not available in Madison Heights MI for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have an Excellent Reputation?  Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers 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 Madison Heights MI barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. Finally, check with the Michigan school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty?  Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective 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 launch a barber shop in Madison Heights MI, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.

Is Any Live Training Provided?  Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Madison Heights MI barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that provide this type of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  When a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that he or she gets support in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer help develop relationships with local employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Madison Heights MI area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Assistance 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 identify 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 accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an alternative before you determine what financial assistance may be available in Madison Heights MI.

How to Choose a Barber College in Madison Heights

Enroll in the Best Madison Heights Barber College

Finding and enrolling in the ideal barber training program is imperative to get the necessary training to become a licensed specialist. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel confident about your decision. Make certain to consolidate all of the information you receive from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to contrast schools. A sensible start in your due diligence process is to make sure that the college and program you decide on are accredited and have excellent reputations within the profession. If you begin with that foundation, and address the additional questions supplied in this article, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the ideal selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be self-assured that you are qualified to begin your new career as a professional barber in Madison Heights Michigan.

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