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What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a series of questions that you will want to research for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Holt MI residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want 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 initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have collected several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
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 acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for getting student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of Holt MI businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials 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 agencies. If you have any contacts with Holt MI barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And last, consult the Michigan 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? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on 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 vision is to start a barber shop in Holt MI, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and refining barbering techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a Holt MI barber college offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends predominantly on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. So search for other schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she receives assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Holt MI area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be available in Holt MI.