Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your San Juan Capistrano CA residence, in addition to the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber college you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified 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 necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not available in San Juan Capistrano 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, numerous employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. 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, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with San Juan Capistrano CA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. Finally, contact the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential 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 respected for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in San Juan Capistrano CA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires plenty 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 allow students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a San Juan Capistrano CA barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that furnish 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 gets assistance in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which San Juan Capistrano CA area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Consult with 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 offered to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be provided in San Juan Capistrano CA.