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What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Altadena CA home, together with the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly 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 take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber college you enroll in 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of Altadena CA businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Verify 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 contacts with Altadena CA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to propose others that you had not looked into. Finally, consult the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 aspiration is to start a barber shop in Altadena CA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering skills and techniques demands plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Altadena CA barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find other 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 finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Altadena CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not drop it as an option before you determine what financial help may be available in Altadena CA.