What to Ask Barber Schools
Below is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Dickinson TX residence, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably 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 need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together several of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber college you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized 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 acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Dickinson TX for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some 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 positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Dickinson TX barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And finally, consult the Texas school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your vision is to start a barber shop in Dickinson TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Dickinson TX barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find alternate schools that offer 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 help in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with area employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Dickinson TX area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, 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 Assistance Offered? Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students as well. If a school satisfies 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 offered in Dickinson TX.