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What to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you should research for any barber school you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Shrewsbury MA residence, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely 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 options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you select 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 comply with their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered 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 Shrewsbury MA 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 Good Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously considering 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. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Shrewsbury MA barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. And last, consult the Massachusetts school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential 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 respected for that program. If your desire is to start a barber shop in Shrewsbury MA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Practicing and refining barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Shrewsbury MA barber college offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore look for alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that she or he gets aid in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with local businesses that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Shrewsbury MA area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Almost all barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to 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 also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial assistance may be available in Shrewsbury MA.