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Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you will want to look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school relative to your Cutler Ridge FL residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber college you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged 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 obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of Cutler Ridge FL businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials 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 demanded. Visit rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Cutler Ridge FL barber shop owners or managers, or any person 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 Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative 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 start a barber shop in Cutler Ridge FL, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Cutler Ridge FL barber school furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that he or she receives aid in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance develop relationships with area employers that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Cutler Ridge FL area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and find out 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 too. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not eliminate it as an option until you determine what financial aid may be available in Cutler Ridge FL.