What to Ask Barber Schools
Below is a series of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Norwalk CT residence, together with the expense of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have compiled some of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you pick 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 assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Norwalk CT for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Norwalk CT barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And last, check with the Connecticut school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Norwalk CT, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Norwalk CT barber school provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. So search for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she gets aid in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Norwalk CT area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and find out 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 accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative until you find out what financial assistance may be available in Norwalk CT.