It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Barbering Career Below
What to Ask Barbering Schools
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Newburg KY residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together several of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you enroll in 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many Newburg KY businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Newburg KY 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 last, consult the Kentucky school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you enroll in a school that focuses on 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 well regarded for that program. If your vision is to start a barber shop in Newburg KY, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a Newburg KY barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for cultivating your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he gets assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with area businesses that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Newburg KY area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Many barber schools offer 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 may get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an option until you learn what financial help may be offered in Newburg KY.