Questions to Ask Barbering Schools
Below is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Cedar City UT home, in addition to the cost of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber school you enroll in 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 ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Cedar City UT for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous 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? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Cedar City UT barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, consult the Utah school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically 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 open a barber shop in Cedar City UT, 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 provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Cedar City UT barber school furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends predominantly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. Therefore search for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he gets aid in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with local employers that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Cedar City UT area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative before you find out what financial aid may be available in Cedar City UT.