What to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Cloverleaf TX home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly 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 school. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential 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 organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Cloverleaf TX for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those 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. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Cloverleaf TX barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. And last, check with the Texas school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you select a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your objective 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 dream is to start a barber shop in Cloverleaf TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Cloverleaf TX barber school provides limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. Therefore look for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that she or he receives support in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance develop relationships with area businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Cloverleaf TX area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative before you find out what financial assistance may be provided in Cloverleaf TX.