What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you will want to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Commack NY residence, together with the cost 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 even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber college you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Commack NY for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of businesses 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 outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Commack NY barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. Finally, consult the New York school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that focuses on 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 well regarded for that program. If your aspiration is to launch a barber shop in Commack NY, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Commack NY barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that he or she receives support in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Commack NY area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students as well. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not discard it as an option until you determine what financial assistance may be available in Commack NY.