What to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your North Haven CT residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have put together some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber school you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in North Haven CT for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably 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 outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with North Haven CT barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, consult the Connecticut 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 Specialty? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly 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 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 vision is to launch a barber shop in North Haven CT, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a North Haven CT barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she gets help in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which North Haven CT area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify 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 provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and identify 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 available to students as well. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an option before you find out what financial assistance may be available in North Haven CT.