VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jun 12, 2013) - The Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) is today launching a complete review of all programs offered by B.C. registered private post-secondary institutions that include a co-operative component.
"The recent closure of two private career training institutions, has called for action to be taken in an effort to ensure the integrity of private post-secondary education in British Columbia," says Karin Kirkpatrick, Registrar and CEO of PCTIA.
The review will entail a thorough examination of the institutions' co-ops in alignment with PCTIA Bylaw requirements.
Programs that offer a co-op component must include periods of study and employment in a formalized sequence.
"Co-ops should only be used for their intended purpose - that is, to promote continuous learning through the integration of classroom and workplace-based learning," states Kirkpatrick.
All B.C. registered institutions wishing to offer co-op components must have obtained approval from PCTIA and are required to provide evidence showing that: work experience placements are held in appropriate facilities; placements are clearly connected to learning outcomes; and that an acceptable process is in place for joint assessment of the student.
PCTIA is a BC Provincial Crown Corporation under the Ministry of Advanced Education.
Mission: To support quality education in British Columbia's private post-secondary career training sector through regulating standards and providing protection to students. For more information visit: pctia.bc.ca