What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Newburgh NY residence, in addition to the expense of tuition, will probably 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 additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have collected some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, 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 securing student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Newburgh NY for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Newburgh NY barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. Finally, contact 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 expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 dream is to open a barber shop in Newburgh NY, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Newburgh NY barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for cultivating your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he gets assistance in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide assistance develop relationships with local employers that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Newburgh NY area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, 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 investigating have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an option until you learn what financial assistance may be provided in Newburgh NY.