Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Lafayette CO residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably 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 consider before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have collected several of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber college 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in Lafayette CO for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Lafayette CO barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. And finally, consult the Colorado school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you pick a school that focuses on 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 Lafayette CO, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Lafayette CO barber college furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. So try to find alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that he or she gets help in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid develop relationships with local businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Lafayette CO area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might 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 fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you find out what financial assistance may be available in Lafayette CO.