Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Council Bluffs IA residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably 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 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. 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 necessary to make certain that the barber college you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized 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 can also be essential for securing student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Council Bluffs IA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of 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 Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Council Bluffs IA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, consult the Iowa school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in Council Bluffs IA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning 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. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Council Bluffs IA barber college furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for developing your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he receives support in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Council Bluffs IA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Consult with 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 too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not drop it as an option until you find out what financial aid may be available in Council Bluffs IA.