Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Arlington Heights IL residence, in addition to the price of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber school you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified 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 ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Arlington Heights IL for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Arlington Heights IL barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. And finally, check with the Illinois school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention 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 aspiration is to start a barber shop in Arlington Heights IL, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Arlington Heights IL barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies mainly on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for developing your skills. So search for alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that she or he gets aid in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Arlington Heights IL area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, 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 Assistance Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Speak 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 offered to students as well. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not discard it as an option before you determine what financial help may be offered in Arlington Heights IL.