What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Elizabeth NJ home, in addition to the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber college 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 comply with their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Elizabeth NJ for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria 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 may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. 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, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Elizabeth NJ barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And finally, check with the New Jersey school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often 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 intention 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 open a barber shop in Elizabeth NJ, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Elizabeth NJ barber college provides little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So look for alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that she or he receives assistance in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with local businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Elizabeth NJ area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering 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 accessible to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not drop it as an alternative before you determine what financial help may be available in Elizabeth NJ.