How to Enroll In the Right Barbering Training Program Near Dover New Jersey
Now that you have decided to attend a barber school near Dover NJ, the task begins to find and enroll in the ideal school. It's essential that the school you pick not only provides the proper training for the specialty you have selected, but also readies you for passing the licensing examination. When you start your initial search, you may be somewhat puzzled about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the titles are pretty much interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. We'll talk a bit more concerning that in the next section. If you intend on commuting to classes you will want to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Dover residence. Tuition will likewise be a critical aspect when evaluating possible barber schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it's not always the right option. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask about 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 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 Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Dover NJ residence, together with the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish 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 even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber school you pick 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Dover NJ for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Dover NJ barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. And finally, contact the New Jersey school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete 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 particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your objective 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 Dover NJ, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Dover NJ barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore look for alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that she or he gets help in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer help develop relationships with local businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Dover NJ area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may 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 discard it as an alternative until you determine what financial assistance may be available in Dover NJ.
How to Choose a Barber School in Dover
Choose in the Right Dover Barber College
Selecting and enrolling in the ideal barber training program is imperative to obtain the appropriate training to become a licensed specialist. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel confident about your decision. Be sure to organize all of the responses you get from the barber school admissions departments, focus on 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 pick are accredited and have impressive reputations within the profession. If you begin with that base, and answer the additional questions presented in this post, 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 confident that you are prepared to begin your new career as a professional barber in Dover New Jersey.