Questions to Ask Barbering Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Baileys Crossroads VA residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged 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 assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Baileys Crossroads VA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Baileys Crossroads VA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And last, consult the Virginia school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas 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 imperative that you pick 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 respected for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Baileys Crossroads VA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included 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 Baileys Crossroads VA barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So look for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she gets aid in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid develop relationships with area employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Baileys Crossroads VA area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Talk to 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 accessible to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative before you find out what financial help may be offered in Baileys Crossroads VA.