Barbering Training Classes
How to Find the Right One Near Springfield Massachusetts

Now that you have made the decision to become a barber, you must find the right barber college near Springfield MA to get your training. Because barbers are licensed in all 50 states, the school you choose should prepare you to pass the licensing exam as well as provide the necessary training for your specialty. You might be somewhat puzzled when beginning your search for barbering programs as to the difference between beauty and cosmetology schools, since both offer barber training. Well don't be, because the titles are pretty much interchangeable and both relate to the same type of school. You will want to find a campus that is within reasonable commuting distance of your residence unless you plan to relocate for training. Tuition will likewise be an important consideration when reviewing potential barber schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the closest or the lowest in cost it's not necessarily the right option. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask regarding the barber colleges you are considering later within this article. Before we do, let's discuss a bit about barbering as a career.

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Why Choose Barbering?

Hairstyles are increasingly being considered by people to be a projection of their personalities.  As a result, barbers are still very much in demand. However, most people are looking for trained professionals and will not just drop in on any Springfield MA barber shop displaying a red, white and blue pole. Training to become a barber is a career move that offers many benefits for those that are both artistic and sociable.  The artistic side is indulged by creating a plethora of different and sometimes challenging hairstyles. The social aspect obviously comes into play by keeping the customer engaged while creating your masterpiece. In fact, some barbers are so proud of their artistic accomplishments that they will take photos of their finished hairstyles and post them on their websites as a portfolio to attract new clients.  And barbering lends itself to a more intimate form of customer service by providing time with the client while cutting his (or her) hair.  This time spent together can lead to the development of a rapport or even a new friendship. As a result, many customers come back not only because they are pleased with the service, but also to enjoy the social amenities that their neighborhood barbershop can offer.

What to Ask Barber Schools

Below is a series of questions that you need to research for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Springfield MA home, in addition to the price of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like 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 should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.

Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school 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 measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not available for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous Springfield MA businesses will not recruit 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 college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements 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. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Springfield MA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, 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 looked into. And finally, contact the Massachusetts 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, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose 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 vision is to start a barber shop in Springfield MA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.

Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided?  Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Springfield MA barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So look for other schools that provide this type of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance?  Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she receives assistance in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with area employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Springfield MA area shops and businesses they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Assistance Offered?  Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 available to students also. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not drop it as an option until you determine what financial aid may be offered in Springfield MA.

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Choose the Right Springfield Barber School

Picking and enrolling in the ideal barber college is important to get the proper training to become a licensed technician. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel confident about your decision. Don't forget to collect all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then use that data to compare schools. A reasonable start in your due diligence process is to make certain that the institution and program you decide on are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the profession. If you start with that foundation, and answer the additional questions presented in this article, you will be able to reduce your list of schools so that you can make the right selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be self-assured that you are ready to launch your new career as a professional barber in Springfield Massachusetts.

 

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