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Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a series of questions that you should look into for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school relative to your Hidalgo TX home, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have collected several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber college you select 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 comply with their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically 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, many Hidalgo TX employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Every barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for references 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. Visit rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Hidalgo TX barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. And last, consult the Texas school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention 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 aspiration is to launch a barber shop in Hidalgo TX, 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 poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Learning and mastering barbering techniques and abilities requires 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 site that make it possible for students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Hidalgo TX barber school offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that offer this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she receives support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer assistance develop relationships with local businesses that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and find out which Hidalgo TX area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, find out 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 Offered? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not discard it as an alternative until you learn what financial assistance may be provided in Hidalgo TX.