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Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Lufkin TX residence, together with the expense of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Following we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
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 acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable 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 Lufkin TX businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college 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 referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Check rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Lufkin TX barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not looked into. And last, contact the Texas school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you decide on a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition 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 desire is to open a barber shop in Lufkin TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Lufkin TX barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on the use of mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that she or he receives assistance in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with local businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Lufkin 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 regarded as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and learn 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 accessible to students too. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an option before you determine what financial aid may be available in Lufkin TX.