A five-member advisory board has been established to review private training schools in the province. The Board will review current legislation and make recommendations for improved delivery of services. Changes will be forwarded for consideration during the spring sitting of the legislature.
Legislation, contained in the Private Training Schools Act, has existed for quite some time which would accommodate the emergence of such a body, but only now has been enacted as a means of ensuring greater opportunity for review. It should also provide greater support for the student and the industry. The advisory board, which includes representation from private and public institutions, provincial government and the public at large is chaired by Kensington resident, Alvin Curley. Other board members include Charles Campbell, Deryl Dunsford, Paul Szczygiel, and Mike Clow.
In the course of scrutinizing the Private Training Schools Act, the Board will be looking at such areas as protecting students' educational investments, maintaining high standards of quality in programs, teaching methods and facilities, accountability measures, and government involvement.
"We are doing all we can to ensure that all private training institutions in this province operate on a level at which all students can make informed decisions about what they can expect to receive for their money, in relation to courses, teachers, future
options, and so on," says Honorable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education. "With the appointment of the advisory board, it is our intent to alleviate as many problems as possible down the road, and to hopefully aid potential private school learners with their education choices. We also hope to develop a better understanding of issues like institutional registration and stakeholders interests."
The first meeting between the Board and the Minister of Education is scheduled for Friday, March 20th.