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Questions to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Bradenton FL residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together some of those additional 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 select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified 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 assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous Bradenton FL employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Bradenton FL barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the business, 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. Finally, consult the Florida 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? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you select a school that focuses on 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 Bradenton FL, 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 weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Bradenton FL barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that he or she gets assistance in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with area employers that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Bradenton FL area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, 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 regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Consult 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 accessible to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative before you find out what financial help may be offered in Bradenton FL.