What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Attleboro MA home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will most likely be your first 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 initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
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 recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Attleboro MA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Attleboro MA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the Massachusetts school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology 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 instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you enroll in 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 respected for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Attleboro MA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty 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 make it possible for students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Attleboro MA barber college offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore search for other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she receives assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with local businesses that are searching for trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Attleboro MA area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 offered to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative before you find out what financial assistance may be offered in Attleboro MA.