Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you need to look into for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Texarkana TX home, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you want 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 must research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for securing student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in Texarkana 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, a number of businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Texarkana TX barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And finally, consult 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? Some beauty schools offer programs that are expansive 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 broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you choose 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 vision is to open a barber shop in Texarkana 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 poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Texarkana TX barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he receives support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area employers that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Texarkana TX area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded 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 investigating have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not discard it as an alternative before you learn what financial assistance may be provided in Texarkana TX.