Questions to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Monroe NJ residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue 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 even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you select 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Monroe 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 might look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for references 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 regarded. Visit rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Monroe NJ barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And last, check with the New Jersey school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to launch a barber shop in Monroe NJ, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Monroe NJ barber school provides little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he gets aid in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide aid develop relationships with local businesses that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Monroe NJ area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out 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 accessible to students as well. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an option before you learn what financial help may be available in Monroe NJ.