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What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you need to research for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Lakeside FL residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber training program you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national agency, 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 superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of Lakeside FL employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for references 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. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Lakeside FL barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. Finally, check with the Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are broad 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 frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you choose 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 dream is to open a barber shop in Lakeside FL, then you need 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 require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Lakeside FL barber school provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for developing your skills. Therefore search for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that she or he receives assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Lakeside FL area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid 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 office. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to 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 eliminate it as an option before you find out what financial assistance may be provided in Lakeside FL.