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Questions to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should look into for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Flint MI home, together with the price of tuition, will probably 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 reduced your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have put together some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for obtaining 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, numerous Flint MI businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional 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, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Flint MI barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And finally, contact the Michigan school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you enroll in 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 desire is to start a barber shop in Flint MI, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering skills and techniques demands plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Flint MI barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on using mannequins, it may not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore try to find other schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's crucial that she or he gets support in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Flint MI area shops and businesses they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Many barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school meets all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an option before you find out what financial aid may be provided in Flint MI.