How to Select the Right Barbering Classes Near Redmond Washington
Once you have decided to attend a barber school near Redmond WA, the task starts to search for and enroll in the best school. It's imperative that the program you select not only furnishes the appropriate education for the specialty you have decided on, but also preps you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your preliminary search, you might be rather confused about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the titles are basically interchangeable and both relate to the same type of school. We'll talk a bit more regarding that in the following segment. If you plan on commuting to classes you will need to find a school that is within driving distance of your Redmond residence. Tuition will additionally be a critical consideration when reviewing potential barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the nearest or the cheapest it's not necessarily the best option. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask concerning the barber colleges you are considering later in this article. Before we do, let's discuss 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 Barbering Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you should research for any barber college you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school relative to your Redmond WA home, as well as 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 reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must 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 every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber training program you enroll in 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 ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Redmond WA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Redmond WA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And last, check with the Washington 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? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets 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 essential that you select a school that specializes in 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 vision is to start a barber shop in Redmond WA, 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 Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Redmond WA barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So search for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that he or she receives aid in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer assistance develop relationships with area employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Redmond WA area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and learn 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 as well. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you find out what financial assistance may be offered in Redmond WA.
How to Train in Barbering in Redmond
Choose in the Best Redmond Barber College
Locating and enrolling in the right barber college is important to receive the appropriate training to become a licensed practitioner. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require so as to feel confident about your decision. Be sure to collect all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that information to contrast schools. A reasonable start in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the college and program you select are accredited and have impressive reputations within the profession. If you start with that base, and answer the additional questions presented in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the right selection. And when you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be confident that you are qualified to launch your career as a professional barber in Redmond Washington.