A barber training school will soon open its doors.
Beyond Beauty & Barber Academy, located at 121 Westchester Square, is an upcoming barber training school that will provide training, career services and other assistance needs to prepare students for a successful career path as a licensed barber.
BBBA, which will officially open on Monday, November 23, will provide an educational experience that is designed for students to obtain knowledge and skills to enhance their opportunity to work in the professional male grooming industry.
BBBA also prepares students for future job interviews as well as the State Board Practical Exam, the test required to obtain a Master Barber License, while assisting them in finding employment with affiliated barbershops looking for licensed barbers.
BBBA offers three main programs for its students – the Barbering Master program, the Barbering Exam Prep program and the HIV/AIDS Course for Barbers program.
The Barbering Master Program requires 515 hours (18-31 weeks) at a cost total $5,000, including tuition ($4000), books, equipment, uniform and registration fee.
The Barbering Exam Prep program, which prepares students for the State Board Practical Exam, requires 50 hours (2-3 weeks) at a cost total of $1,400.
The HIV/AIDS Course for Barbers program, which teaches future barbers about the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission when using the same equipment without proper sterilization on multiple individuals, is a three-hour, $65 cost in total. The training school also offer GED programs.
The barber training school was started by Javiel Rodriguez, who holds a Master Barber License and has nearly 30 years of previous experience.
Rodriguez, who is also the owner of Kings of Knockout, another barbershop located at 1189 Castle Hill Avenue, said that his late father, Arsenio, who passed away in July after working as a barber for over 50 years in Puerto Rico and the U.S., had a major influence on his involvement in the barber industry.
“My original dream was to be a professional boxer, but after that fell through, my father passed me the clippers and I gave it a try,” said Rodriguez. “I was 19 at the time – 30 years later, its an amazing feeling to carry on my father’s legacy but also to provide job and career opportunities for those in my community who don’t have the benefit and the luxury of obtaining a college education.”
“This barber training school verifies our vision of a perfect business example in this neighborhood,” said Lisa Sorin, executive director of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District. “This business not only adds to the revitalization of this area, but it will also provide affordable education for a career path that is always sees a high demand.”
“This is a win-win for the neighborhood as well as the borough, and the BID is very proud of Javiel for starting this barber training school.”
“This barber training school creates a new opportunity where Bronxites can train for employment in an industry that has proven to be resilient to economic fluctuations,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “We are continuing to build a diverse economy and create new jobs in a variety of fields in the Bronx.”
BBBA held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 12, which was attended by Diaz, Sorin and members of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, among other notables.
A blown up photo of Javiel’s father, Arsenio, working in a barber shop, was displayed in front of the barber training school for the event.
