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What to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Owosso MI residence, together with the expense of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue 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 need to 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 determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber school you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for securing student loans or financial aid, which often 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 final benefit, numerous Owosso MI employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references 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 regarded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Owosso MI barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, check with the Michigan school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you pick 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 respected for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in Owosso MI, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Owosso MI barber college offers little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies mainly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's essential that she or he receives aid in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with local businesses that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which Owosso MI area shops and organizations they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of 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 meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an option before you determine what financial assistance may be offered in Owosso MI.