What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your San Bruno CA home, together with the price of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber college 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 measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in San Bruno CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with San Bruno CA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. Finally, consult the California school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you choose a school that focuses on 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 open a barber shop in San Bruno CA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a San Bruno CA barber college provides limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. So 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 crucial that he or she gets support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer assistance maintain relationships with area employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which San Bruno CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students also. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an option before you find out what financial aid may be provided in San Bruno CA.