What to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you should research for any barber school you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Norwich OH residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Norwich OH for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Norwich OH barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And last, consult the Ohio 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? Some beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important 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 well regarded for that program. If your desire is to launch a barber shop in Norwich OH, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering skills and techniques demands plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Norwich OH barber college furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for cultivating your skills. So try to find alternate schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that she or he gets aid in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with area employers that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Norwich OH area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify 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 fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not drop it as an alternative until you determine what financial help may be offered in Norwich OH.