What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Port Angeles WA home, as well as the price of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have compiled some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you choose 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 meet their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Port Angeles WA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Port Angeles WA 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. Finally, consult the Washington school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some 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, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you pick a school that focuses on 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 desire is to open a barber shop in Port Angeles WA, 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 Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Port Angeles WA barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. So search for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he gets aid in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with area businesses that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Port Angeles WA area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Almost all 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 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 available to students too. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an alternative until you determine what financial aid may be available in Port Angeles WA.