Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber school you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school relative to your Ashtabula OH residence, in addition to the cost 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 reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you choose 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 meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in Ashtabula OH for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent 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 referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Ashtabula OH barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, 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, check with the Ohio school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your vision is to open a barber shop in Ashtabula OH, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on people. 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 growing skills on real people. If a Ashtabula OH barber college furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he gets help in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Ashtabula OH area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher 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. Check 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 offered to students too. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be offered in Ashtabula OH.