It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Barbering Career Below
What to Ask Barber Colleges
Below 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 Merrick NY home, together with the expense of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish 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 need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for securing student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable 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 Merrick NY employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Merrick NY barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And finally, contact the New York school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your dream is to start a barber shop in Merrick NY, 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 provide the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques involves lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that enable students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Merrick NY barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. So look for other schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's important that he or she receives assistance in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with local employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Merrick NY 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 wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. 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 available to students as well. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not drop it as an alternative until you learn what financial help may be offered in Merrick NY.