What to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your The Woodlands TX residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have put together several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber training program you select 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 ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in The Woodlands 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 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? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding 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. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with The Woodlands TX barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted 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 find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive 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 important that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention 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 dream is to start a barber shop in The Woodlands TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a The Woodlands TX barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So search for other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that he or she gets aid in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which The Woodlands TX area shops and organizations they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 available to students as well. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an alternative before you find out what financial assistance may be available in The Woodlands TX.