The Government of British Columbia today introduced Bill 7, the Private Training Act, to strengthen education quality, streamline administrative and approval processes, and improve public confidence in the private career training sector domestically and internationally.

“The private career training sector is an important and vibrant part of the post-secondary system in British Columbia,” said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Private career training institutions provide Canadian and international students with a wide selection of education and training options. New legislation positions the sector for success by strengthening quality assurance, providing greater support to private career training institutions and continuing to protect students.”

The Private Training Act will replace the Private Career Training Institutions Act, dissolve the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA), and transfer its authorities and functions to the Ministry of Advanced Education later this year.

Government has consulted private training institutions, sector representatives and other stakeholders about the proposed changes. Feedback from the consultations helped shape the new model for the private career training sector.

“Extensive consultations with private career training institutions are helping to shape the future of private training in the province,” said Jeremy Sabell, president of the BC Career Colleges Association. “We look forward to changes being brought in by government that will make the sector stronger and that will support our ability to continue preparing students for their future careers.”

The Private Training Act will create higher quality standards for the sector and broader enforcement mechanisms to better protect students. It will also introduce a risk-based approach that protects the public interest while reducing the regulatory requirements for private institutions offering high quality programs and with a history of strong compliance.

Government is taking an approach consistent with other Canadian jurisdictions, assuming direct responsibility for the regulation of private career training institutions.

Savings of approximately $1.5 million over the first three years are expected through efficiencies and administrative savings. Changes to the private career training sector are a result of a Core Review decision announced on April 17, 2014, to alter governance and regulation of the sector. 

Quick Facts:

• More than 350 private post- secondary education and training institutions offer a wide range of career training and degree programs in British Columbia, with more than 69,000 enrolments every year.
• Private career training institutions and the 19 private or out-of-province degree-granting institutions complement 25 public research and teaching universities, colleges and institutes in the province.

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400