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Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you will want to investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Weymouth MA home, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have compiled some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber school you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized 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 assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often 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 concluding benefit, a number of Weymouth MA businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Weymouth MA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the Massachusetts school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to start a barber shop in Weymouth MA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Weymouth MA barber school provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore look for other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that she or he gets assistance in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which Weymouth MA area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and identify 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 as well. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option until you learn what financial aid may be offered in Weymouth MA.