What to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a series of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Binghamton NY home, as well as the price of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue 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 must research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have collected some of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber school you pick 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for securing student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Binghamton NY for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Binghamton NY barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And last, contact the New York school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete 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 instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you select 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 desire is to open a barber shop in Binghamton NY, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and mastering barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Binghamton NY barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. Therefore look for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he gets assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with local employers that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Binghamton NY area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an option before you learn what financial help may be offered in Binghamton NY.