What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Below is a series of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Lehi UT residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber training program you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, 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 superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Lehi UT for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Lehi UT barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. And 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 Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you enroll in a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to start a barber shop in Lehi UT, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Lehi UT barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. So try to find other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that she or he gets assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with area employers that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Lehi UT area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools provide 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 may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students also. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an alternative before you learn what financial aid may be offered in Lehi UT.