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What to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you should look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Bowling Green KY residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want 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 preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you should 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 each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber school you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of Bowling Green KY employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college 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 references from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Bowling Green KY barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, 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. And last, contact the Kentucky school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your desire is to start a barber shop in Bowling Green KY, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Bowling Green KY barber college furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. So look for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that he or she gets help in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance develop relationships with area employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Bowling Green KY area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, 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 respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not discard it as an option until you learn what financial assistance may be provided in Bowling Green KY.