Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you should look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Rialto CA residence, as well as the price of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly 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 training program. Below we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber college you pick 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Rialto CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous 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 excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Rialto CA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And 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 Specialty? Some beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you decide on a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to launch a barber shop in Rialto CA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Rialto CA barber college provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. So search for other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she receives assistance in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with local employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Rialto CA area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an alternative before you determine what financial aid may be available in Rialto CA.