What to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Yucaipa CA residence, together with the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish 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 preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Yucaipa CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Yucaipa CA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. And last, check with the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick 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 respected for that program. If your aspiration is to start a barber shop in Yucaipa 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 deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Yucaipa CA barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for cultivating your skills. Therefore look for alternate schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he receives aid in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance maintain relationships with area businesses that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Yucaipa CA area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 too. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative before you find out what financial assistance may be available in Yucaipa CA.