Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Wauwatosa WI residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Wauwatosa WI for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Wauwatosa WI barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And finally, consult the Wisconsin school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to start a barber shop in Wauwatosa WI, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Wauwatosa WI barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the best option for acquiring your skills. So try to find alternate schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When 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 furnish aid maintain relationships with area employers that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Wauwatosa WI area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have extensive 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. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may get approved 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 fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not eliminate it as an option until you determine what financial assistance may be provided in Wauwatosa WI.