What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Meridian ID home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial 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 additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Meridian ID for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of 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 Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Meridian ID barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. And finally, check with the Idaho school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your goal 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 Meridian ID, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated 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 requires plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Meridian ID barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she receives support in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with local employers that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Meridian ID area shops and businesses they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students as well. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an option before you find out what financial aid may be available in Meridian ID.