How to Select the Best Barbering Course Near Muskegon Michigan

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Muskegon MI, the process begins to find and enroll in the right school. It's essential that the program you pick not only provides the proper training for the specialty you have decided on, but also preps you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your preliminary search, you may be a little bit confused about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the names are pretty much interchangeable and both relate to the same type of school. We'll discuss a bit more concerning that in the following section. If you intend on commuting to classes you will need to find a school that is within driving distance of your Muskegon residence. Tuition will also be an important consideration when evaluating possible barber schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it's not automatically the ideal option. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask concerning the barber colleges you are looking at later within this article. Before we do, let's discuss a bit about what barbering is and why you may want to become a barber.

Why Choose Barbering?

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.

What to Ask Barber Schools

Below is a series of questions that you should research for any barber school you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Muskegon MI residence, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have compiled several of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.

Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Muskegon MI for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Good Reputation?  Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Muskegon MI barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, 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, check with the Michigan 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 Specialty?  Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive 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 commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you choose 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 start a barber shop in Muskegon MI, then you want 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 require.

Is Enough Live Training Provided?  Learning and mastering barbering skills and techniques demands plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Muskegon MI barber college provides limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  When a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that she or he receives support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance develop relationships with local employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Muskegon MI area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.

Is Financial Assistance Available?  Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify 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 available to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an option before you find out what financial aid may be provided in Muskegon MI.

How to Become a Barber in Muskegon

Choose in the Best Muskegon Barber School

Selecting and enrolling in the ideal barber college is imperative to receive the proper training to become a licensed professional. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to in order to feel confident about your decision. Don't forget to compile 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 good beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the college and program you select are accredited and have exceptional reputations within the profession. If you begin with that foundation, and answer the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the proper selection. And when you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be self-assured that you are ready to start your career as a professional barber in Muskegon Michigan.

Muskegon Barbering Colleges | Muskegon Schools For Barbering