Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Greenville TX home, in addition to the cost of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber college you pick 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not available in Greenville 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 employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Greenville TX barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. And last, contact the Texas school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that specializes in 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 respected for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in Greenville TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Greenville TX barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends heavily on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So try to find other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he gets aid in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance develop relationships with area employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Greenville TX area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an alternative until you find out what financial assistance may be available in Greenville TX.