What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you should look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Glenvar Heights FL residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like 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 initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Below 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 important to make certain that the barber college you select 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 meet their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Glenvar Heights FL for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. 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, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Glenvar Heights FL barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And last, check with the Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you choose a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 start a barber shop in Glenvar Heights FL, 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 provide the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Glenvar Heights FL barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that she or he gets support in finding that first 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. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Glenvar Heights FL area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask 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 qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative before you find out what financial help may be offered in Glenvar Heights FL.