Questions to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Cumberland RI home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber training program 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 measure up to their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in Cumberland RI for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Cumberland RI barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. Finally, consult the Rhode Island school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example 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 goal is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Cumberland RI, 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 poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Cumberland RI barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So look for other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that she or he receives help in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with area employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Cumberland RI area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, 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 Aid Available? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not drop it as an option before you determine what financial help may be offered in Cumberland RI.