Questions to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Johnston RI residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school you select 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 meet their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Johnston RI for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous employers will not employ 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 school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Johnston RI barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. And finally, check with the Rhode Island school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive 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 broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that specializes in 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 launch a barber shop in Johnston RI, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Johnston RI barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. So look for alternate schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he receives aid in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with local 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 Johnston RI area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check 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 is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be available in Johnston RI.