Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a series of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Everett WA residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn 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 additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have compiled several 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 college 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 comply with their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Everett WA for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Everett WA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not considered. Finally, consult the Washington school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective 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 desire is to start a barber shop in Everett WA, 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 poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Everett WA barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for cultivating your skills. Therefore look for other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she gets help in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Everett WA area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not eliminate it as an option until you find out what financial help may be available in Everett WA.