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Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Forest City FL home, together with the expense of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly 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 should research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often 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 Forest City FL businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Forest City FL barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, contact the Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to start a barber shop in Forest City FL, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Forest City FL barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. So look for alternate 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 imperative that she or he gets support in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer help develop relationships with area businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Forest City FL area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might 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 meets all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you learn what financial help may be available in Forest City FL.