Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Munster IN home, in addition to the cost 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 reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have collected several of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber training program you pick 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 ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Munster IN for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. 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, indicating that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Munster IN barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, contact the Indiana school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you decide on 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 desire is to start a barber shop in Munster IN, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Munster IN barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that he or she receives support in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer help develop relationships with local businesses that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Munster IN area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you learn what financial aid may be offered in Munster IN.