What to Ask Barber Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Keller TX home, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn 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 must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber college 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Keller 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, many businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Keller TX barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And finally, check with the Texas school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 vision is to launch a barber shop in Keller TX, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Keller TX barber college provides limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. So try to find other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he gets help in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with local employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Keller TX area shops and businesses they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering 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 is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an option before you find out what financial aid may be available in Keller TX.