How to Choose the Right Barber Academy Near Oshkosh Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a barber school near Oshkosh WI, the task starts to find and enroll in the ideal school. It's imperative that the school you choose not only furnishes the appropriate instruction for the specialty you have selected, but also prepares you for passing the licensing examination. When you start your initial search, you may be somewhat unclear about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the titles are essentially interchangeable and both relate to the same kind of school. We'll speak a bit more concerning that in the following segment. If you plan on commuting to classes you will need to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Oshkosh residence. Tuition will also be a critical aspect when evaluating possible barber schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it's not always the best choice. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example 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 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
Following is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Oshkosh WI home, as well as the price of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber college you select 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Oshkosh WI 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 employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Oshkosh WI barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. Finally, consult the Wisconsin school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 dream is to open a barber shop in Oshkosh WI, 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 require.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Oshkosh WI barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that she or he receives help in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish help develop relationships with area businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Oshkosh WI area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students as well. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an option until you determine what financial assistance may be available in Oshkosh WI.
How to Choose a Barber School in Oshkosh
Choose in the Right Oshkosh Barber School
Choosing and enrolling in the ideal barber college is essential to receive the appropriate training to become a licensed professional. Make sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel certain about your decision. Don't forget to collect all of the information 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 start in your due diligence procedure is to make certain that the college and program you select are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the profession. If you begin with that foundation, 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 right selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be self-assured that you are ready to launch your new career as a professional barber in Oshkosh Wisconsin.