How to Pick the Right Barbering Academy Near Dumont New Jersey
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Dumont NJ, the task begins to locate and enroll in the right school. It's imperative that the school you select not only provides the proper education for the specialty you have decided on, but also readies you for passing the licensing examination. When you start your initial search, you might be rather unclear about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the names are essentially interchangeable and both relate to the same type of school. We'll discuss a little bit more concerning that in the upcoming section. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Dumont residence. Tuition will likewise be an important consideration when evaluating potential barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the nearest or the lowest cost it's not always the best option. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask concerning the barber colleges you are thinking about later within this article. Before we do, let's talk 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 Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you should research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Dumont NJ residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have compiled some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber school you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Dumont NJ for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed 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 relationships with Dumont NJ barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. Finally, check with the New Jersey school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you decide on 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 well regarded for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Dumont NJ, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Dumont NJ barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on the use of mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she receives help in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance develop relationships with local businesses that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Dumont NJ area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and find out 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 accessible to students too. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not discard it as an option until you determine what financial help may be provided in Dumont NJ.
How to Become a Barber in Dumont
Choose in the Right Dumont Barber College
Selecting and enrolling in the ideal barber school is important to obtain the appropriate training to become a licensed professional. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel certain about your decision. Make sure to collect all of the responses you get from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that information 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 impressive reputations within the profession. If you start with that base, and answer the additional questions presented in this article, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the right choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be confident that you are ready to start your new career as a professional barber in Dumont New Jersey.