April 5, 2025 | Calgary, AB — The Alberta Association of Career Colleges (AACC) has announced a significant step in its ongoing mission to elevate standards across Alberta’s career education sector: the launch of a Compliance Training program aimed at supporting member institutions, enhancing regulatory alignment, and fostering greater public confidence.
This new initiative, which will be delivered through a member-access Learning Management System (LMS), is designed to provide practical, accessible training to help colleges meet and exceed compliance obligations. It will be updated regularly to reflect changes in policy, best practices, and government expectations.
“This is more than just a checkbox exercise, it’s part of building a culture of excellence and accountability,” said Tim Ogilvie, Chair of AACC. “By empowering our members with clear, relevant training, we’re investing in the long-term strength and integrity of the sector.”
The Compliance Training is a core part of AACC’s Build Strategy, which focuses on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. It arrives at a critical time as the sector navigates new public transparency initiatives, including the recently launched Compliance Registry by the Ministry of Advanced Education.
“We support transparency when it helps students make informed decisions and encourages institutions to continually improve,” Ogilvie noted. “But transparency must be paired with clarity and fairness. That’s why we’re stepping in to provide context, guidance, and a structured support process for our members.”
In light of the registry’s publication, AACC proactively contacted the few member institutions named and initiated formal review and remediation processes. These include site visits, mentorship, and participation in the new Compliance Training initiative.
“This prompt and proactive engagement reflects the commitment of our members to high standards,” Ogilvie added. “It also shows the value of having a strong, engaged association that offers both accountability and support.”
The association is also reviewing how the training can be formally embedded into AACC’s Code of Conduct and future membership requirements, reinforcing its role as a baseline expectation for all member colleges.
“We’re building a system where compliance isn’t just reactive, it’s part of the culture,” Ogilvie said. “Embedding this into our Code of Conduct ensures that members not only meet expectations, but grow through them.”
AACC continues to advocate for clearer regulatory guidance, calling for greater transparency on compliance thresholds, remediation timelines, and institutional obligations. According to Ogilvie, “Consistent, timely communication from regulators will help all parties better align their practices and reduce confusion for students and schools alike.”
While AACC does not represent every private career college in Alberta, it includes many of the province’s most trusted and established institutions. The association remains focused on collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of sector leadership,” Ogilvie concluded. “By supporting our members and holding them to a high standard, we’re helping ensure career colleges continue to play a vital role in Alberta’s workforce development and economic growth.”
For more information or to inquire about AACC membership and training access, please contact info@aaocc.ca
