What to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Manhattan NY home, as well as the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber training program 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Manhattan NY for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Manhattan NY barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And last, check with the New York school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you enroll in 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 vision is to launch a barber shop in Manhattan NY, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on volunteers. Find out 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 enable students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Manhattan NY barber school furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies mainly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing 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 school, it's important that she or he receives support in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide aid develop relationships with area businesses that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Manhattan NY area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Speak 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 as well. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you learn what financial help may be provided in Manhattan NY.