What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Billerica MA residence, together with the cost of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced 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. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every 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 certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in Billerica MA for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Billerica MA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And finally, consult the Massachusetts school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you select a school that specializes in 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 well regarded for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Billerica MA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Billerica MA barber college furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that he or she gets support in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Billerica MA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students also. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial assistance may be offered in Billerica MA.