Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you need to research for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Huntsville AL home, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt 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 should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School 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 acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Huntsville AL for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Huntsville AL barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the Alabama school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential 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 Huntsville AL, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Huntsville AL barber school provides little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for cultivating your skills. So look for alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that he or she gets help in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Huntsville AL area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may 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 each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not drop it as an alternative until you learn what financial aid may be provided in Huntsville AL.