Questions to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Norwood OH residence, together with the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber school you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged 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 guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Norwood OH for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Norwood OH barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And last, consult the Ohio school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you decide on a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 launch a barber shop in Norwood OH, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Norwood OH barber college furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on the use of mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. So try to find other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she gets aid in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with area employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Norwood OH area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have wide 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 reviewing have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you find out what financial help may be offered in Norwood OH.