Consultations Occurring on Private Training Legislation

The Provincial Government is inviting input from current students and graduates of private training institutions on the Private Training Institutions Act and Regulations, with a series of public sessions scheduled for July. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, provided details on the consultations today, as part of a review to ensure that the legislation is current, relevant and effective. In addition to consultations with students and graduates, consultations are occurring through meetings with other stakeholders including private training institutions, funding agencies and professionals licensing bodies.

"We want to ensure that the legislation for the private college sector allows for progress in the industry, while supporting quality programs and an appropriate level of protection for students' investments," said Minister King. "Our government is taking this proactive step in reviewing the legislation to ensure it meets these needs."

As the review relies on the input of those who have experience with private training institutions, four consultation sessions will be held in regions of the province where private training institutions currently exist. The schedule is as follows:

• St. John's (Capital Hotel): July 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Marystown (Marystown Hotel): July 21, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Grand Falls-Windsor (Mount Peyton Hotel): July 27, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Corner Brook (Greenwood Inn): July 28, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Any current students or graduates of private training institutions are encouraged to attend a consultation session. To register for a session, individuals can contact the Department of Education at 709-729-6910, toll-free at 1-877-771-3737, or via e-mail: jenniferlear@gov.nl.ca. Alternatively, input can be provided via e-mail by visiting www.gov.nl.ca/edu. 

"Input from those who have been educated through private training institutions is vital to this review process," said Minister King. "We encourage current and past students to provide input during the consultations to ensure an effective Act."

The consultations will invite feedback on areas such as registration of new institutions, monitoring, student protection as well as program and instructor approvals.

The current Private Training Institutions Act and Regulations can be accessed via the following link: www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/p25.htm 

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Media contact:
Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 727-5953
tarapower@gov.nl.ca 

2010 07 09                                                   10:40 a.m.