What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Lauderdale Lakes FL home, together with the cost of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together several of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you enroll in 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 meet their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Lauderdale Lakes FL for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Lauderdale Lakes FL barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And finally, consult the Florida school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Lauderdale Lakes FL, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Lauderdale Lakes FL barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for developing your skills. So search for alternate schools that furnish this type 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 assistance in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with area businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Lauderdale Lakes FL area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may 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 meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an option before you find out what financial assistance may be available in Lauderdale Lakes FL.