How to Enroll In the Right Barbering Training Near Concord North Carolina
Since you have decided to enroll in a barber school near Concord NC, the task starts to locate and enroll in the ideal school. It's essential that the program you choose not only furnishes the necessary education for the specialty you have selected, but also preps you for passing the licensing exam. When you begin your preliminary search, you may be somewhat confused about the distinction 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 little bit more regarding that in the next segment. If you intend on commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Concord home. Tuition will likewise be a critical consideration when evaluating prospective barber schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the closest or the lowest cost it's not necessarily the best choice. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask concerning the barber colleges you are thinking about later in 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 Choose Barbering?
Barbering can be considered a subspecialty in the larger field of cosmetology. While cosmetologists train to work in hair, nails, skin, makeup, and overall beauty enhancement, barbers focus on cutting hair, almost exclusively men’s hair, and giving shaves and trimming facial hair. They might learn specialized techniques such as coloring and permanent waving like cosmetologists do, but it’s not essential. Barbers and cosmetologists also earn different licenses that specify which services they can legally perform. The first step to becoming a barber is to complete a barbering program. You might choose to enroll in a dedicated barber school or sign up for a barbering program in a cosmetology school that offers barbering as a specialty. Because states have different requirements for training and licensure, it is important to start by checking with your state cosmetology board.
What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Concord NC residence, together with the expense of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber training program 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Concord NC 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 businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Concord NC barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And last, consult the North Carolina school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you enroll in a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention 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 open a barber shop in Concord NC, 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 weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Concord NC barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends 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 provide this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she receives support in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid develop relationships with area employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Concord NC area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Speak with 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 available to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not discard it as an option until you determine what financial help may be provided in Concord NC.
How to Train to Be a Barber in Concord
Choose in the Best Concord Barber School
Locating and enrolling in the ideal barber training program is important to receive the necessary training to become a licensed specialist. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel certain about your decision. Make certain to compile all of the information you get from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to compare schools. A reasonable beginning in your due diligence process is to make sure that the institution and program you select are accredited and have excellent reputations within the field. If you begin with that base, and answer the additional questions presented in this article, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the right choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be confident that you are qualified to launch your career as a professional barber in Concord North Carolina.