Make Sure The Career College You Choose Is Accredited
Wed, 03/23/2016 - 07:05

Make sure the private career college you are planning to attend is accredited and will be recognized by professional associates, other educational facilities and employers, as well as internationally.

You need assurance that your training, experience, and licensing preparation will be accepted when you have completed your training and are seeking employment.

College Accreditation is Crucial

If you plan to attend a private career college in British Columbia, check the information provided by the college and make sure you find these accreditations:

  • Accredited by PCTIA – These letters mean that the college is accredited with the Private Career Training Institution Agency. This is an official Act that governs private career colleges and is your assurance that the college meets required standards for the programs they offer, as well as advertizing, refund policies, and instructor qualifications.
  • Designated by BC EQA – This is the designation for British Columbia’s Education Quality Assurance.
  • Designated by IRCC – This designation means the college is on the official Canada Immigration and Citizenship Designated Learning Institutions List.

With these accreditations and designations, students know that they can earn an officially accepted Canadian diploma and a globally recognized certification from third-party organizations.

Third-Party Certification is an Important Component

As a student, you need to be sure that the private career college you attend offers courses that prepare you properly to be licensed for the career of your choice. College courses and skills must equip you for employment and assure future employers that you have been tested and certified as able to competently complete jobs and tasks. This certification means you can be licensed after completing the experience requirements in various trades and businesses.

Practicum and Co-op Work Terms are Employment Advantages

Employers love hiring people with experience. A big advantage of attending a private career college is the opportunity to graduate with experience under your belt.

  1. Practicum – If you choose a program that offers practicums, you will have the opportunity to accompany personnel during the execution of his or her duties on work sites.
  • You will be able to observe, make notes, and to perform limited tasks in the field under supervision for a number of hours every week or so.
  • You will be able to compare work on the job with the theories and methods taught in the classroom.
  • You will be expected to complete classroom assignments as a follow-up to the practicums.
  • You will receive no payment for the tasks you are allowed to perform but will receive classroom credit.
  1. Co-op Work – If the program you choose offers co-op work terms, you will have full-time work during each work term and be paid for it.
  • Work terms are similar to having a real job and you will work under the supervision of on-site personnel.
  • You will normally alternate a term of classroom study with a term of full-time work with multiple terms extended over the course of a two-year program. By graduation, you will have gained one year of practical, on-the-job experience.
  • You will receive payment and classroom credit for the work terms.

Practicums and co-operative work terms are important tools for learning and gaining experience.

Check out the private career college you plan to attend and make sure it is accredited so that future employers will recognize and accept your diploma, licensing preparation, and practical experience.

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