What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you will want to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Lenexa KS residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish 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 preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have compiled some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you choose 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 superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Lenexa KS for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous 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? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Lenexa KS barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. Finally, consult the Kansas school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you enroll in 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 well regarded for that program. If your desire is to start a barber shop in Lenexa KS, then you need 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 Enough Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Lenexa KS barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on the use of mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he receives assistance in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with local businesses that are searching for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Lenexa KS area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you may get approved 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 all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not drop it as an alternative until you find out what financial help may be offered in Lenexa KS.