What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a series of questions that you should look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Bergenfield NJ residence, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have collected several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Bergenfield NJ for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous 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 Great Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Bergenfield NJ barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, check with the New Jersey 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 Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select 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 well regarded for that program. If your dream is to start a barber shop in Bergenfield NJ, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and mastering barbering skills and techniques requires plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Bergenfield NJ barber college offers limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So look for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he gets aid in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance develop relationships with local businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Bergenfield NJ area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out 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 offered to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an alternative until you find out what financial help may be provided in Bergenfield NJ.