Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Fairborn OH home, together with the expense of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want 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 initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have collected several of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber training program you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in Fairborn OH for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials 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 together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Fairborn OH barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And finally, consult the Ohio school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? 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 expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose 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 respected for that program. If your desire is to start a barber shop in Fairborn OH, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Fairborn OH barber college provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that she or he receives aid in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Fairborn OH area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out 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 accessible to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an option before you learn what financial assistance may be available in Fairborn OH.