What to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Sayreville NJ home, as well as the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt 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 consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have collected some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber training program you select 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 assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Sayreville NJ for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. 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, showing that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Sayreville NJ barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the New Jersey school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you enroll in a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to open a barber shop in Sayreville NJ, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Studying and mastering barbering techniques and abilities demands lots of practice on people. Find out 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 developing talents on real people. If a Sayreville NJ barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. So search for alternate schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he receives support in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance maintain relationships with area businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Sayreville NJ area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and learn 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 each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative before you learn what financial assistance may be available in Sayreville NJ.