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Questions to Ask Barbering Schools
Below is a series of questions that you need to research for any barber school you are considering. As we have already covered, the location of the school relative to your Thonotosassa FL home, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the barber college you select 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of Thonotosassa FL employers will not recruit 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 college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent 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. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating companies for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Thonotosassa FL barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And finally, contact the Florida school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand 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 respected for that program. If your desire is to launch a barber shop in Thonotosassa FL, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Thonotosassa FL barber school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for developing your skills. So look for other schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that he or she gets help in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with local employers that are searching for trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Thonotosassa FL area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option until you determine what financial help may be offered in Thonotosassa FL.