Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you should look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Springfield OR residence, together with the expense of tuition, will most likely be your primary 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 even more factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have compiled several of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber training program you enroll in 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Springfield OR for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Springfield OR barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. And last, consult the Oregon school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total 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, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention 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 start a barber shop in Springfield OR, then you want 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 Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities demands lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Springfield OR barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. So look for other schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that he or she receives aid in securing that 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 trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Springfield OR area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify 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 available to students as well. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an alternative before you learn what financial help may be available in Springfield OR.