Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Barstow CA home, as well as the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt 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 college. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber school you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Barstow CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Barstow CA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, consult the California school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you enroll in 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 desire is to launch a barber shop in Barstow CA, 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 poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Barstow CA barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that she or he receives help in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with local employers that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Barstow CA area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Consult with 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 available to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not discard it as an alternative before you find out what financial help may be available in Barstow CA.