What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Rosedale NY residence, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber training program you choose 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 assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Rosedale 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, many 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 Good Reputation? Each barber college 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 references from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Rosedale NY barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, consult 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 Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that specializes in 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 open a barber shop in Rosedale 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 weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Rosedale NY barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for developing your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she gets support in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with local employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Rosedale NY area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an option until you find out what financial assistance may be provided in Rosedale NY.