We answer your most common questions about Progressive Training College and private colleges here! Have more questions for us? We’d love to chat with you! E-mail us at info@ptcollege.com, or schedule a phone or video chat with one of our amazing advisors here.
1. What is a Private Career College?
A private career college, or Ontario Career College, as they are officially known in Ontario, is a post-secondary educational institution registered with the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. To become a registered Ontario Career College, the college must
• Pass an in-person inspection by a registration and compliance inspector
• Provide financial security to the Ministry to protect the interest of students
• Submit and get approved by the Ministry at least one vocational program
To maintain registration:
• undergo yearly financial audits by a third-party accounting firm
• undergo yearly registration renewals with the Ministry where the financial audits are reviewed
• submit yearly KPI reports
• undergo yearly campus inspections by a registration and compliance inspector
2. Are your programs registered? Do you actually get a real diploma?
All of our vocational programs that fall under the Career Colleges Act are registered with the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. This registration process is rigorous and ensures that career colleges are offering programs that meet the needs of the job market. Students who graduate receive a real diploma or certificate, depending on the length of the program. For more information, see the Ontario Qualifications Framework.
To get a program registered:
- a college must demonstrate, through official labour market information, that this program will lead to a vocation that has demand and that there are employers actively hiring in the geographic area
• an adult education and subject matter expert must develop the curriculum
• The curriculum must be reviewed by a third party adult education expert and subject matter expert
• The Ministry must review and approve the program
To maintain registration:
• The program registration must be renewed every 5 years
• The registration and compliance inspector ensures that the program is being delivered according to the regulations during the annual campus inspections
3. I’ve read in the news a lot about private colleges being involved in scandals, like the OSAP scandal. How can I trust private colleges to provide a good education when I hear so much about schools behaving unethically?
Progressive Training College cannot speak for other institutions, but we can speak to our commitment to meeting applicable regulatory requirements and providing clear information about our programs, fees, expectations, and career pathways.
We believe student confidence is earned through responsible practices, open communication, and a commitment to helping students make informed decisions.
4. So what makes PT College different?
Progressive Training College has served adults with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, mature students and anyone seeking to re-enter the workforce for nearly 30 years. Long before becoming an Ontario Career College, we operated as a vocational rehabilitation training provider, working closely with individuals facing barriers to employment and helping them develop the skills needed to achieve economic independence.
Our transition to Ontario Career College status was not driven by a desire to access student financial assistance programs. Rather, the change was largely the result of requests from referral sources and funding partners who wanted the additional oversight, accountability, and consumer protection that come with provincial regulation.
Our primary mission remains unchanged: helping individuals with disabilities, newcomers, and anyone seeking to gain meaningful employment and improve their quality of life through skills training and workforce development. We support strong regulatory oversight and measures that protect both students and public funding while ensuring that legitimate training providers can continue serving vulnerable populations.
The vast majority of our students come to us with significant employment barriers, and our success is measured not by enrolment numbers, but by successful training outcomes, workplace integration, and long-term employment success.
5. I’ve read many reviews from private college grads who couldn’t get hired. Is it true that employers don’t recognize credentials from private schools?
At Progressive Training College, our focus is on helping students develop practical skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen fields. We encourage prospective students to ask about career pathways, employer expectations, and any licensing requirements associated with their intended occupation.
Progressive Training College would not continue to be in operation for nearly 30 years if our students were not successful at finding work after they graduate.
Our Job-Training Specialist works closely with our students and employers in our communities to deliver best outcomes for our students and grads. Our Job-Training Specialist:
• assists students in finding suitable co-op placements
• helps students and alumni connect with suitable employers upon graduation
6. How do you recruit students?
Our approach to student recruitment emphasizes transparency, respectful communication, and informed decision-making. We reject predatory and aggressive sales tactics. We are here to advise you, not sell to you.
Prospective students will receive clear information about program content, admission requirements, tuition and fees, credential outcomes, and potential career opportunities.
We encourage students to ask questions and consider whether a program aligns with their interests, circumstances, and career goals. We also believe it is important to communicate realistic employment expectations without making guarantees that cannot be assured.
At Progressive Training College, we want students to begin their educational journey with a clear understanding of their chosen program and the opportunities it may help them pursue.