What to Ask Barbering Schools
Below is a list of questions that you should look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Calumet City IL residence, together with the cost of tuition, will most likely be your primary 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 choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have collected several of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you pick 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not available in Calumet City IL for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Calumet City IL barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. Finally, consult the Illinois school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you pick a school that specializes in 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 well regarded for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Calumet City IL, then you want 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 deliver the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Calumet City IL barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's important that she or he receives support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with area businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Calumet City IL area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an option until you determine what financial aid may be available in Calumet City IL.