Questions to ask a potential private vocational insitution

Return to the page on: Attending a PVI

Admission

• What are admission prerequisites – high school diploma? GED? certain skills? abilities? licences? record checks? portfolios? apprenticeship?
• Is there an admissions test? A personal interview? How are these scored?

Training

• How long does it take to complete the program? What skills will be taught?
• How much training is classroom lecture, how much is practical training?
• Is any of the training self-directed? What other training methods are used?
• Is there an opportunity for work experience? Is it paid or unpaid?

Facilities and equipment

With permission, tour the institution –

• How many students are there in a class?
• What is the student/teacher ratio?
• What equipment is used? Is it similar to what is used currently by the industry? Is equipment shared?

Institution rules

• What are the institution’s rules for behaviour?
• Is there a dress code?
• Are there attendance rules?
• Do you have to maintain a minimum grade?
• Is there a mechanism for student appeals?
• Is there a student handbook that contains all of those rules?
• Is my institution designated for the purpose of applying for Student Aid?

Costs

Comparison shop – institutions charge similar tuition for similar training – if the cost is substantially higher at one institution ask why.

• Are tools, equipment, supplies, and books on loan or do you have to buy them?
• If you fail a subject, can you repeat it without paying again?
• What method is used for repeating a subject (retake the class, self-study, retest, other)?
• If you have a problem, who will help you?
• Is there a charge for tutoring?
• What is included in the tuition and what are the extra costs?
• Are there other mandatory costs, like student association fees?
• What is the refund policy?
• Are student loans and other financial assistance programs available?
• Are non-repayable funds such as bursaries and scholarships available?
• Check the website www.canlearn.ca or Manitoba Student Aid for funding information.

Make a checklist to compare the cost of books, supplies/materials/kits, lab fees, uniforms, graduation fees, student association fees, and any other fees. The comparison may help you to choose the institution that is right for you.

Job placement assistance

• Is job placement assistance available?
• What does the placement service include?
• Are job search techniques taught?
• Are interview referrals made?
• Is there a fee for this service?

Job opportunities

• What kind of job can you expect to get once you finish the training?
• In what position?
• At what salary level?
• How many jobs will be available in the future? Are these part-time or full-time jobs?
• What are the employment prospects in Manitoba?
• Ask the institution for a list of companies that have hired recent graduates.

You can also ask career counsellors such as those at Employment Manitoba Centres about the demand for employees in your chosen field or review the latest Labour Market Information.

Before you make any final decisions, be sure to discuss your training choices with at least three employers using the following questions as a guide:

• Are you aware of this program/institution?
• Does the program provide the necessary skills for employment in this field?
• On a typical day in this position what is expected from employees?
• What personal qualities or abilities are important for this job?
• Would you recommend this type of training? Would this program greatly enhance my chances of gaining employment in this field?
• Have you hired a graduate from this program? Was it a successful placement? Will you hire a graduate from this institution again?
• Are there employment opportunities in this field? Where? Within Manitoba?
• What is the current entry level salary for this occupation?
• What special advice would you give to a person entering this field?