The Role of PCTIA in The Closure of An Institution

Private training institutes are private businesses.  In the event that an institution closes and is registered with the Agency, there are limitations on what can and cannot be done for current and former students of that institute.   Generally there are two situations: (i) an orderly closure, whereby students and the Agency are made aware of a pending closure, and (ii) sudden, unexpected closures which are often mitigated by external factors including legal actions taken by landlords, lease holders, and other situations.

Orderly Closures

In an orderly closure, where the Agency is advised in advance of a pending closure, normally the institute works with PCTIA and other training providers to complete the training of currently registered students, either at the same institute, or at a local institute offering the same type of program.  Generally, the institute is prohibited from taking on new students, and the institute eventually shuts down once all training has been completed.

Sudden Closures

In a sudden closure, it is often the case that the Agency is not advised of the closure, or is advised via a third party that an institute has suddenly closed.   A PCTIA staff member will visit the registered address of the institute and confirm the closure, post a notice containing contact information for students, and upon confirmation of the closure with the owners, attempt to work with other training providers and training associations in order to find institutes for registered students to complete their programs.

PCTIA's Role

The circumstances surrounding each closure are unique. PCTIA will:

• swiftly attempt to confirm an institutional closure
• provide contact information to current students
• work with training providers and associations to attempt continuation of students' training programs
• request and collect information to determine tuition refund entitlements, if any
  validate student refund entitlements
• make claims against the Student Training Completion Fund for student tuition refund entitlements, if any

PCTIA is not responsible for the following:

• historical student records for the closed institute
• issuing of transcripts, diplomas, letters of attendance, or other academic documents of the closed institute
• T2202-A tax receipts for the closed institute
• course or program outlines
• employment and wage claims

Depending on the condition of the institute at the time of closure, sometimes Agency staff are able to provide current students with miscellaneous documents and records, however this is not normally the circumstance, especially in a sudden closure.

For these reasons, students should retain copies of all transcripts, tuition receipts, enrolment contracts, and certificates or diplomas.

Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

Private Career Training

PCTIA Publications

Student Financial Aid - StudentAid BC