What to Ask Barber Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Muskego WI residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want 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 initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have collected some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber training program you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national agency, 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 quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for getting student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Muskego WI for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon those 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 industry. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Muskego WI barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, check with the Wisconsin school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you select a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in Muskego WI, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Muskego WI barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for developing your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that he or she receives aid in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with local businesses that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Muskego WI area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and learn 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 also. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an alternative before you find out what financial aid may be offered in Muskego WI.