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What to Ask Barber Colleges
Below is a series of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your West Sacramento CA home, in addition to the price of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary 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 preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber college you enroll in 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 measure up to their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for securing student loans or financial aid, which frequently 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 final benefit, many West Sacramento CA businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may 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 exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. 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, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with West Sacramento CA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And last, contact the California school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you pick 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 well regarded for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in West Sacramento CA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering skills and techniques demands 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 campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a West Sacramento CA barber college offers limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that he or she receives support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help develop relationships with local employers that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which West Sacramento CA area shops and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students as well. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an alternative until you learn what financial aid may be available in West Sacramento CA.
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