What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a series of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Davis CA residence, together with the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber school you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Davis CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Davis CA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And finally, consult the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often 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 goal is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in Davis CA, then you need 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 deliver the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires plenty of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished 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 volunteers. If a Davis CA barber college furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies mainly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So search for alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that she or he gets assistance in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Davis CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you determine what financial assistance may be offered in Davis CA.