Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Below is a series of questions that you will want to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Oceanside NY home, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and take into consideration 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 decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber training program you enroll in 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Oceanside NY for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several 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 favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Oceanside NY barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. And last, consult the New York school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on 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 start a barber shop in Oceanside NY, then you want 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 provide the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Oceanside NY barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for cultivating your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she gets assistance in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with local businesses that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Oceanside NY area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an option before you find out what financial help may be offered in Oceanside NY.