Questions to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Orinda 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 narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber college you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Orinda 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, a number of employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Orinda CA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, consult the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets 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 imperative that you choose a school that specializes in 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 dream is to launch a barber shop in Orinda CA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Orinda CA barber school furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies mainly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. So search for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she gets help in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance develop relationships with area businesses that are searching for trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Orinda CA area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out 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 satisfies each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not eliminate it as an option until you determine what financial aid may be provided in Orinda CA.