What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you will want to research for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Marblehead MA home, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Marblehead MA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Marblehead MA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. Finally, check with the Massachusetts school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you enroll in a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to open a barber shop in Marblehead MA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Marblehead MA barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she receives assistance in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Marblehead MA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Almost all 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 identify what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be available in Marblehead MA.