What to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a series of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Greenville MS residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want 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 initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber college you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified 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 ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Greenville MS 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 businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Greenville MS barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, contact the Mississippi 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 Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you enroll in 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 respected for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Greenville MS, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Studying and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Greenville MS barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for developing your skills. So try to find alternate 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 imperative that she or he gets aid in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with local businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Greenville MS area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult 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 available to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an option until you find out what financial assistance may be offered in Greenville MS.