Questions to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school relative to your Palmetto Bay FL residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential 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 organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Palmetto Bay FL for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Palmetto Bay FL barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you enroll in 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 Palmetto Bay FL, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Palmetto Bay FL barber college offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for developing your skills. So search for other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he receives support in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid develop relationships with local businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Palmetto Bay FL area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out 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 offered to students also. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not drop it as an option until you learn what financial help may be provided in Palmetto Bay FL.