The #1 High School and University Resource for Saskatchewan Students
WHAT ARE PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES AND INSTITUTES REALLY LIKE?

Private career colleges are like people--each is unique. Yet, some generalizations can be made.

1. Private career colleges often specialize in several training areas.

2. Most colleges are located in the main business district of a city or town or in a nearby business area. Sometimes, these colleges are in a building with other businesses.

3. Carpeting, a receptionist, and a pleasant waiting area combine to make these schools look more like businesses than university and community college campuses.

4. These colleges fit a lot into a little space, and some have additional classroom space in other buildings within a couple of miles of the main building.

5. These colleges are student oriented. The majority of private colleges are relatively small in total student body as compared to their local community college, although in many cases the enrollment in a specific career training area at a career college might be considerably larger than the same career training area in the local public college. When you first visit these colleges, they will seem friendly and relaxed. But once you have made the commitment to your training, the college becomes as concerned with your success as you are.

6. Students and/or graduates of a private college are considered, and consider themselves, as clients. The private career college is "student centred" rather than "teacher centred". The college and the students are on the same side of the fence: the college's ultimate success depends on the students' ultimate success. Since the ultimate goal is placement of graduates in related careers, all resources of the college are focused in that direction.

7. Programs may be as short as three months for some careers or as long as two years for other careers. Programs attended full-time can take up to 35 hours per week. Several shifts may be available, offering classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

8. Tuition costs depend on the length of training and the level of skills taught. Training can cost from $1,000 to $10,000 per year.

9. The staff is small and made up of people you will see often. Usually, the college's staff includes a director, admissions personnel, financial aid counsellors, student services personnel, a job search coordinator, and teachers.

10. Private career colleges are skills and job oriented. Their main interest is in teaching the specific skills that are needed in today's marketplace.

11. Improving your marketability and training you for a job are the most important concerns of any private career college. Colleges continue to succeed because people like you leave as satisfied customers.

Recently Added Resources
  • Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)

    Lathers handle, erect and install materials that are components in the construction of all or part of a structure. They lay out and install framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls, floors and roofs. Lathers install various types of ceilings (e.g. suspended, spanned, direct contact), shielded walls (e.g. fire,... More >

  • Youth employment programs and services

    The Career Focus program provides funding for employers to offer post-secondary graduates opportunities to obtain career-related work experience. The objective of this program is to help youth acquire advanced employment skills and facilitate their transition to a rapidly changing labour market. This program connects youth with employers who can provide... More >

  • What Social Workers Do

    Social Workers are usually employed in hospitals, community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, advocacy organizations, government departments, social service agencies, child welfare settings, family service agencies, correctional facilities, social housing organizations, family courts, employee assistance programs and private counselling, school boards, and consultation agencies. More >

  • Carpenter

    A carpenter is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge and abilities required to construct, renovate and repair institutional, commercial, industrial (I.C.I.) and residential structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials. They can work for a wide array of employers, including construction firms, building owners and... More >

  • Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

    Recreation vehicle (RV) service technicians work on systems and components of recreation vehicles, including electrical components, plumbing, propane gas components, appliances, exterior and interior components, structural frames and towing systems. They diagnose, repair, replace, install, adjust, test, maintain and modify these components and systems. They may also perform maintenance and... More >

  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

    A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >

  • Instrumentation and Control Technician

    Instrumentation and control technicians work on measuring and controlling instrumentation. They also service plant process control, monitoring, safety and communications systems. They are knowledgeable in overall plant systems and interactions of processes. Some of the duties of instrumentation and control technicians are: 1. Consulting diagrams and technical documentation such as... More >

  • National Health Sciences Students' Association

    The National Health Sciences Students' Association (NaHSSA) was established in 2005, and it is the first national interprofessional student association in the world. NaHSSA is a network of local university and college-based chapters that promote interprofessional education and practice within Canada. It enables students to advocate for and learn from... More >