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What to Ask Barbering Schools
Below is a series of questions that you should look into for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Hutchinson KS residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly 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 even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber school 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 comply with their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of Hutchinson KS businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Hutchinson KS barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. Finally, check with the Kansas school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you select a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to start a barber shop in Hutchinson KS, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Hutchinson KS barber school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. So try to find other schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he receives help in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which Hutchinson KS area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students as well. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an alternative before you learn what financial aid may be available in Hutchinson KS.