What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you need to research for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Leesburg VA residence, together with the price of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt 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 should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber college you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Leesburg VA for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Leesburg VA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. Finally, check with the Virginia school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating 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 choose a school that focuses on 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 well regarded for that program. If your desire is to launch a barber shop in Leesburg VA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Leesburg VA barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he receives help in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Leesburg VA area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students as well. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an alternative until you determine what financial help may be available in Leesburg VA.