Do your homework first on private training courses

Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine, has warned young people and their parents to do their homework before signing up for alternative education and training courses.

"The university admissions process is now underway, and many school leavers are accepting University and TAFE courses or looking at other study programs," Mr Shine said.

"Over the next few weeks many private training providers will be advertising courses, and each of them will have different enrolment or entry requirements.

"I urge all students to make their own checks to satisfy themselves that the course they enter into provides them with the qualifications they want.

"Unfortunately, some students don't find out until later that their private course and qualifications are not recognised in their chosen industry."

Mr Shine said the Office of Fair Trading had received 151 complaints about higher education or vocational training courses since 2006.

"Many of the common issues included accreditation, misrepresentation of advertising and obtaining refunds when cancelling courses," he said.

Mr Shine urged students planning to enrol in any further study to do their homework before they accept or pay for a place:

• Check with relevant industry associations, TAFE, university and employers that the program and qualifications offered are recognised in the industry you hope to enter.
• Find out whether the course will be useful in securing a job or obtaining entry into further study.
• Look at all of the relevant courses available and choose one that best suits your needs.
• Ask for contact information of former students to check if the course was helpful.
• Find out if you'll get your money back or be required to pay if you quit or change your study options.

"If the course involves large upfront fees, ask for lots of detail on what you will get for your money and if there are any additional costs, as well as what qualifications you will attain at the end of your course," he said.

"If you have paid money for a training course and you find out it does not offer the accreditation promised or live up to your expectations, make a complaint to the training provider in the first instance."

If you are unhappy with the response visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.

Wednesday 23 January, 2008

Media contact: Tim Goodwin / Jamie Byron - Office of the Attorney General: 3239 3478