How to Enroll In the Right Barber Course Near Aberdeen South Dakota
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Aberdeen SD, the process begins to search for and enroll in the right school. It's important that the school you choose not only provides the appropriate education for the specialty you have chosen, but also preps you for passing the licensing examination. When you start 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 titles are basically interchangeable and both refer to the same kind of school. We'll speak a bit more concerning that in the upcoming segment. If you plan on commuting to classes you will want to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Aberdeen home. Tuition will likewise be a critical factor when reviewing possible barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the lowest cost it's not always the right choice. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask regarding 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 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.
What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you will want to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Aberdeen SD home, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn 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 additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber school you pick 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Aberdeen SD 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 recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Aberdeen SD barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And finally, contact the South Dakota 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 Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 vision is to open a barber shop in Aberdeen SD, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Aberdeen SD barber college furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he gets support in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with area businesses that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Aberdeen SD area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an alternative until you determine what financial assistance may be offered in Aberdeen SD.
How to Choose a Barber School in Aberdeen
Enroll in the Best Aberdeen Barber College
Choosing and enrolling in the ideal barber college is essential to obtain the appropriate training to become a licensed technician. Make sure to ask all the questions that you require so as to feel positive about your decision. Don't forget to compile all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then employ that information to compare schools. A good beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the school and program you choose are accredited and have impressive reputations within the profession. If you start with that foundation, and address the additional questions presented in this post, you will be able to reduce your list of schools so that you can make the ideal selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be confident that you are qualified to begin your new career as a professional barber in Aberdeen South Dakota.