On Jan. 1, a “modernization” of Manitoba's Private Vocational Institutes Act [PVI Act] came into force, making it so private post-secondary institutions teaching subjects such as esthetics, industrial skills, business administration and paramedic services will have to adhere to some new rules.
“The updated PVI Regulation, under the PVI Act, better reflects the interests of institutions, while ensuring that students can make more informed decisions,” states a news release.
There are more than 58 private vocational institutions currently operating in the province, serving more than 4,000 students in total. The PVI Act dictates that these schools register their programs with the provincial government “to ensure accountability and compliance.”
The Act has not been updated since 2002.
Some of the private vocational institutions in the province include Herzing career college, Criti Care EMS, the Academy of Learning, the Perfect One Driving School, the Eternal Beauty Institute and H & Co. Academy Hair and Nails. A complete list can be found here.
“Private vocational institutions offer employment training in a wide range of occupational fields. Programs may be taught in the classroom, through practicums, by distance education or correspondence, or through a combination of these methods,” states the release.
These schools will now have to publicly disclose “key information,” such as program dates, fees and “relevant institutional policies.” They will also have to simplify their “registration and reporting” processes and introduce “key performance indicators with new compliance measures.”
According to information from a government spokesperson, performance indicator requirements would include annual reports from the institutions detailing enrolment, graduation and employment. The schools would also have to publish the materials required for their courses. They will also be required to “focus on skills training needed in Manitoba’s economy.”
“Private vocational institutions are a vital part of the post-secondary education system and play a critical role in Manitoba’s workforce development by offering convenient, flexible and career-focused training,” said Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable in a statement. “These changes will reduce unnecessary administrative requirements for institutions and enable them to focus on delivering quality, relevant skills programming that will benefit students.”
The new rules were made in collaboration with the Manitoba Association of Career Colleges (MACC).
MACC president Robin Day said the change to the Act “underscores the commitment of the Manitoba government to educational excellence and collaborative governance.”
“In close consultation with the [MACC] and extensive dialogues with numerous career colleges across our province, we have sculpted a forward-thinking framework that not only establishes robust standards, but also champions the pivotal role of career colleges in nurturing the goals and dreams of our students,” said Day in a statement.
An email sent to MACC was not returned by press time.
According to additional information from the provincial government, any breaking of the rules would be discovered through either routine annual inspections or during complaint investigations.
The institution would be supported in correcting the mistake. Failing that, a fine would be issued. Fines will be applied using a tiered approach: $1,000 for a first-time offence, $3,000 for a second offence and $5,000 for a third.
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