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What to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Tulare CA residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each 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 recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many Tulare CA businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively 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 outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Tulare CA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. Finally, check with the California school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand 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 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 dream is to open a barber shop in Tulare 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 require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Tulare CA barber college provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that she or he gets assistance in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish help maintain relationships with area businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Tulare CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out 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 as well. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an option before you determine what financial help may be available in Tulare CA.