What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Newport Beach CA home, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn 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 need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have put together some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school you choose 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 comply with their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Newport Beach CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many 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 Great Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Newport Beach CA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. Finally, check with the California school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective 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 start a barber shop in Newport Beach CA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Newport Beach CA barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So look for other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that she or he gets help in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with area employers that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Newport Beach CA area shops and businesses they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might qualify 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 satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an option before you learn what financial assistance may be available in Newport Beach CA.