Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Ridgewood NJ residence, together with the expense of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn 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 additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have collected several of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you enroll in 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 meet their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Ridgewood NJ for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Ridgewood NJ barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. Finally, check with the New Jersey school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology 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 often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative 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 respected for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Ridgewood NJ, 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 require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering skills and techniques demands plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Ridgewood NJ barber college offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she gets aid in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with area businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Ridgewood 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 broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students too. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an option until you determine what financial help may be offered in Ridgewood NJ.