Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you should research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Forest Hills MI home, in addition to the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt 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 school. Below we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school you pick 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in Forest Hills MI for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Forest Hills MI barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. And finally, consult the Michigan school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad 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 commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your dream is to start a barber shop in Forest Hills MI, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Forest Hills MI barber college furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he receives help in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer assistance develop relationships with local businesses that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Forest Hills MI area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may 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 all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an option until you learn what financial assistance may be provided in Forest Hills MI.