Complaint Review: BTT College DCA Institute Of Technology Ash Persaud

I can remember a positive experience at BTT;I was signed up for the MSCA and A+ classes. Labs, where one had the actual hands on experience, great course content, most of all solving/analysing on your own and above all great tutors.

I remember attending classes promptly with questions of the night before on homework and study which was given - we were never spoon fed at BTT we had to think it through (at the time was frustrating but now well understood!!). Classes conisted of 3 hrs of course- work, hands on labs and review - I took what I learnt here and expanded on it at home, going the extra mile.

My learning experience with Ash and Mike was a great one - no regrets. After my course was finished I was on the hunt for jobs; adn did land in a rather good position supporting Project Server for Microsoft clients. However, whether or not I got a job or not the fact is you must apply yourself to your field of study the right job will come with commitment and dedication.

I rate BTT 10 out of 10 -- I guess all experiences are relative.


Shirma Alexander
Student
DCA/BTT college

I can remember a positive experience at BTT;I was signed up for the MSCA and A+ classes. Labs, where one had the actual hands on experience, great course content, most of all solving/analysing on your own and above all great tutors.

I remember attending classes promptly with questions of the night before on homework and study which was given - we were never spoon fed at BTT we had to think it through (at the time was frustrating but now well understood!!). Classes conisted of 3 hrs of course- work, hands on labs and review - I took what I learnt here and expanded on it at home, going the extra mile.

My learning experience with Ash and Mike was a great one - no regrets. After my course was finished I was on the hunt for jobs; adn did land in a rather good position supporting Project Server for Microsoft clients. However, whether or not I got a job or not the fact is you must apply yourself to your field of study the right job will come with commitment and dedication.

I rate BTT 10 out of 10 -- I guess all experiences are relative.


Shirma Alexander
Student
DCA/BTT college

I can remember a positive experience at BTT;I was signed up for the MSCA and A+ classes. Labs, where one had the actual hands on experience, great course content, most of all solving/analysing on your own and above all great tutors.

I remember attending classes promptly with questions of the night before on homework and study which was given - we were never spoon fed at BTT we had to think it through (at the time was frustrating but now well understood!!). Classes conisted of 3 hrs of course- work, hands on labs and review - I took what I learnt here and expanded on it at home, going the extra mile.

My learning experience with Ash and Mike was a great one - no regrets. After my course was finished I was on the hunt for jobs; adn did land in a rather good position supporting Project Server for Microsoft clients. However, whether or not I got a job or not the fact is you must apply yourself to your field of study the right job will come with commitment and dedication.

I rate BTT 10 out of 10 -- I guess all experiences are relative.


Shirma Alexander
Student
DCA/BTT college

This is pretty interesting. As we have started our department (semi - independent) project and I came upon this site. We are trying to establish a means of getting concrete information regarding different private institutions or training schools around Toronto. To make it simpler, think of us like 'mystery shopper' or 'critiques' and will be targetting a few insitutions within this semester. I guess everyone here knows how it works. The results will be handled next semester (winter 09), either published on a site, newspaper etc.

It seems that I might be giving away some hints, but it is one part of it. This semester we have the named college in this report (btt college), everrest college (eglinton), canadian busines college (downtown) and 3 unnamed ones. We are trying to cover all aspects, from smaller/bigger, well known, and not so well known institutions.

Project funded by businesses, Universities, and the Canadian Government.


Thank you and Good Luck!

I was reading this article the other day and thought that this sounded like someone that had nothing better to do with his or her time. I have taken a couple of courses at BTT College and felt that I had a better learning experience than I had at another IT based College, College or University. The instructor Ash goes out of his way to explain concepts and gives a lot of examples to help someone understand the concepts and ideas that Microsoft courses entail. At least I can say Ash follows the guidelines but does not read you line by line straight out of the learning material (anyone can read right out of the book which is what the students are supposed to be doing) and has no problems with providing answers to questions especially if he has to go beyond and above to find an example to help someone understand a concept. The learning institutions are there to teach you basic concepts and ideas and once you leave grade school you are on your own to learn beyond what is taught in the classroom (this is taught right out of high school 101 and should have already been incorporated into one's mind once entering Post Secondary education).

Another problem I have with the article was that the author mentioned that the school promised a job paying in range from $60,000 to $80,000. Not even a college or university can guarantee anyone a job after graduating. They provide resources such as workshops to help build skills but in no way has written anywhere that a learning institution will and can guarantee anyone a job. Many people like the original author come out of the industry and have in mind that he or she needs to take Microsoft courses to improve themselves and feel that once completed the IT world will sweep them up because they have taken these courses. Look how many University and College students graduate and are still looking for employment. If this author came out of the IT industry after so many years he or she should already have the IT skill set required to be in the industry and are taken these IT courses to self improve and update his or her skills not expect BTT College to hold his or her hand and expect them to teach them the whole IT industry inside or out. Has this person ever been to the Government of Canada Human Resources Centre before? Does the Government of Canada Human Resources Centre guarantee anyone a job? The Government of Canada Human Resources Centre provides resources and skill building classes for anyone that needs assistance but do not have it written that they will guarantee you a job. The Government of Canada Human Resources Centre even tells you to build your communication skills by networking with friends and family and people you know in the industry.

Since I am at BTT taking my courses, I have noticed students who just drop by and still keep in touch with Ash to update him on what they have been up to and how other students are doing? Ash has no problems and can give anyone a list of students he has helped to find a contact or helped to get a job interview (remember once you get your job interview Ash will not be in the job interview with you holding your hand and doing the interview for you). As far as I am concerned the school provides the same opportunities for looking for employment, building skills and providing networking amongst other people of various backgrounds in various fields like any other institution.

To stay competitive within the IT industry I wanted to complete my MCSE certification, after reading the newspaper one day I saw an advertisement from BTT College offering the MCSE course among others. I called the number in the AD and I spoke to Ash, he invited me and my family in for a meeting so we can see the environment and get a better understanding of what the course is about.
After meeting with Ash I enrolled in the course, the environment at BTT college was very friendly and welcoming. Ash was the teacher of my course and he provided individual attention for all students in the class. Personally I was very determine to achieve my MCSE certification and because of this I often stayed after class and troubleshoot problems and do all the labs thought during class hours.

Ash realized my determination and offer assistance even after class hours and would also give us advise on how to approach a real world situation.
After completing the course Ash provided the entire class with job leads, he got us interview which gave us jobs. Because of Ash I am currently employed as a Network Specialist, he got me this job for which I am appreciative.
I totally disagree with the negative comments indicated by the other students, you can lead a horse to a pond but you cannot force them to drink. Nothing in life is guaranteed and I think all Ash can do is provide his students with job leads and get them interviews with different companies it is up to that individual to sell themselves in that interview to get the job.

In regards to Ash not providing home work after each class I think there is more than enough work provided in the text books for each individual to have home work. Ash provides a lab for which each student can stay back and do more than enough work, again it is up to that individual to take the initiative and go the extra mile.
I would recommend BTT college to anyone trying to complete their certification

I was a high school drop - out looking for something meaningful to do in the computer field. By chance I came across an advertisement about this Technical School (BTT College). I contacted the owner Ash Persaud, and even though I was living distant from the school, I decided to meet with Ash Persaud. My first meeting with him was a very promising one. At which time he promised to help me as much as he can. I signed up to join his MCSE class. My experience was a positive one. Ashton was very understanding of my personal situation and accommodated me in every way possible. His classes focus on individual attention which is great unlike many other Technical schools.
Ashton along with every other employee at BTT College was very helpful and really helped me in every way possible. The school places a lot of emphasis on practical - which is great.This practical helps one to better understand the theoretical aspect . Ashton was always willing to explain and teach one until the lesson is fully understood. Ashton conducted weekly exams that are very constructive and highly educative. Ashton handed out weekly report based on assessment on how he would think you are coping with the work. Ashton provided individual attention to those who required additional assistance.
I had no work experience and no references. However Ashton provided me with an internship in order to gain the required experience for gainful employment. Ashton then referred me to a company in order to have an appointment for a job interview. The training, experience and overall exposure I received at BTT College through the caring and kind assistance of Ashton Persaud I was able to secure a job at my first interview. After 6 months I am doing great and enjoying my job. In my present job and also speaking with other students at BTT College I was informed that the experience and the individual attention and tutoring and hands on experience that one gets at BTT College the same is not offered at other more recognized and highly advertised Colleges. All through the kind assistance and exposure from Ashton Persaud. I therefore wish to categorically and emphatically refute whatever claims of fraud and negative criticism the other person has made against Ashton Persaud and BTT College and I would recommend them both to anyone. As a matter of fact I intend to pursue my advanced program with them, because I am confident that experience and teaching will help me tremendously .

I came across this website recently, I am old student that studied at DCA/BTT and was absolutely disattisfied with Ash's teaching, it was very poor.

After reading all the remarks, I would like to say that I know the initial poster is correct, and that this college BTT COLLEGE / DCA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY is a big scam.

They lure students into registering and once they are enrolled, classes are not given regularly, infact they are posponed time after time. unlike other reliable colleges like Centennial, the purpose of this college is not educate but to have people come in who are desperate to upgrade their skills and then soon after finds themselves in a booby trap. The owner ash persaud has a very deceiving personality, people who meet him the first time are overshadowed by the dynamic impression he makes in order to have them sign the contract, once this is signed his work is done because after that the student comes to realize why coming to BTT was a grave mistake. The contract prevents the student from acquiring any kind of refund.

Over time they realize that classes are given once in a while and sometimes not at all, the fees however are promptly taken.

One other thing that dissappointed me was that the agreement made between the college and the student doesn't bind the college at all in terms of its responsibilites as a college sincere to students and their learning.

As one of the things Ash states in his rebuttal, "I have nothing to hide and am not partial to any particular student. I stand firmly behind my actions." So this would mean that he's honest just by stating that? I know first hand that this is a lie, the fact is that he is not sincere in teaching the course in a proper manner, not providing regular classes Monday - Friday like every other college...and the to top that off he says that studen't expectations of the MCSE course is unrealistic? so again this means if the students want a monday-friday course period is that also unrealistic?

Ash consistently blames the original poster for hiding behind a cloak of anonymity, whereas he is the one who is openly doing fraud at BTT every single day.


It's quite ironic how Ash states in his rebuttal "those accused of any improprieties in a post should be allowed to respond in kind before any irrevocable harm is done" and the last comment from his was that he wants to refund the money provided the students proves that Ash is guilty... now the contradiction here is that the statement above threatens the student and now all of a sudden he wants to refund the money...well what's the idea behind this?

I hope his business suffers for all the bad deeds to students. It's not always about the money, it's about your name and by doing so Ash has damaged his own reputation on the expense of the student's money.

It's a shame such colleges are not shutdown for what they do.

I also noted he is a very playful kind of guy, as the course goes on he becomes more and more relaxed with the students, giving lots of break time which defeats the purpose of coming to classes where more then half the time we spent just walking around because Ash has to take a break.

The labs are messy, wires all over the place and nothing seems to work, so for Ash to state "


Oh and for Ash to blame the website editors of ripoffreports.com is absurd, he has the nerve to blame the site whereas he has been carrying out all kind of fraudulent activies for so many years and openly...and it surpises me that no one has the guts to come up to him for a resolution, because they know what kind of person he is. If it were that easy everybody who was not satisfied would ask for a refund.

Too much time is spent talking about things irrelevant to MCSE, and other topics that are absolutely off topic to installing server/xp/exchange. and more time is spent relaxing and talking about things that are personal to other people. I think ash was very playful, he did not creative an atmosphere for learning but moreover an atmosphere for students to think they are learning where in fact they are not.

Once in a while easy multiple choice tests are given that anybody can pass, even someone totally cold to the IT field. And if MCSE is a "the MCSE certification process is very tough and the workload is heavy under the best of circumstances." as Ash states how can so little time be given to such a hectic course with so much workload it doesn't make any sense. and for labs to be messy is no excuse, because if Ash had created an atmosphere for learning there wouldn't be so many things malfunctioning, so if such "best of circumstances" were even implemented we could say well things were working just fine then something happened but that benefit of doubt can be given once or twice not all the time!

bottom line, stay away from these small technology schools that promise the world and you don't even get a small cookie in return.

bad-

-no homework, classwork, assignment
- no report card, performance assessment.
-no campus atmosphere, just a small office room
-bad computers / very messy labs
-very little lab time, not focused on developping skills but just passing time


good :

-good books to buy for self-studying at home.

Our business ethics allows us to help individuals who are in trouble such as the person who has written this complained.

No one like negative publicity to their business, but even giants like WalMart has problems. To fix this complaint I have decided to challenge the complainer because for the past 2 years this has been affecting my reputation and business and I want to repair my reputation.

Since this complaint started in 2004, we have taught over 400 students Technology courses. Out of that 400 students no one has complain either for teaching or job placement.

As the manager of DCA/BTT College we would like the student who have written this report prove to us that we aren't any help to our students. If they can prove this I would personally refund their cost of the course. Furthermore as one of the rebuttal states that he enjoyed the class, I want this student prove to me that his class was not taught and I was playful.

In addition, because he/she could have able to find a job in this field, what education/skills are they using to get these jobs.

so if the person feels he/she vindicated, I would refund their tuition providing they can find others that share the complianer opinion.

Please post this rebuttal because I would like the student to work with me for a resolution

I also attend BTT College and found my experience to be totally the opposite from the initial poster. I am from the USA but went to BTT College in Toronto because I was able to save thousands of dollars from what the course cost in the USA. I found the teaching to be very good and the lab environment also was very helpful in assimulating a functional network. There were lots of on-hand training which enhanced my learning experience instead of just trying to comprehend by reading the books. After completion of the MSCE course and without obtaining my certification I was still able to land a job in Texas starting out at $55k USD in 2004. After 2 years I was making $65K, so my point is that each person's experience will be different. It's not the teaching but each person has to accept personal responsibility and go the extra mile beyond to classroom to succeed. A salary of 65-80k per year is achieveable with a MCSE certification, but if you are starting out green as a Network Administrator or Junior Administrator that is unrealistic. Salaries also depends on the market in which you live. There are lots of opportunities in the Dallas-Ft Worth area, therefore, with 2 years experience as a Network Admin you can command $60k plus, but that will depend on your individual negotiation skills, as well as how well you interview and how well you sell yourself. In closing, BTT is what you make it. The text books are there to be read, you are in a structured classroom environment, and also there are labs available for hands-on training. If you utilize the available resources and go the extra mile to learn and comprehend beyond the classroom and with a willingness, drive, and determination to succeed then you will be successful in the job market and in life!

Dear Editor,

In regards to the following page http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff120887.htm posted 12/2/04, my response is as follow:

Rebuttal:

I just saw this post on your Web page and was obviously very upset with the personal attacks. I feel that this post is slanderous because you have not verified the story and yet you allowed the poster to publish it.

As a responsible Web site editor(s), I think it is your duty to verify facts before you allow postings of this sort especially in light of the theme of your Web site. I feel that the poster has a personal vendetta to settle rather than any specific issues related to the courses I teach. As a result, not only is my teaching reputation potentially ruined, there is no opportunity for the organization I work for to respond in a timely manner. I have nothing to hide and am not partial to any particular student. I stand firmly behind my actions.

For many students, expectations about what certification courses have to offer are unrealistic. For example, the MCSE certification process is very tough and the workload is heavy under the best of circumstances. It is not usual for some students not to be able to keep up with work in class and at home. As an instructor, I do my utmost to create a learning environment that is conducive to learning. I do not make excuses for how I conduct my courses.

I do not make excuses as to why a student cannot successfully complete coursework. Although the average mark in the courses I offer is 55%, I can assure you that students are well prepared and fairly evaluated. Evaluation in the form of quizzes, lab assignments, and tests are designed so that a student must complete hands-on work. It goes without saying that cramming the night before an exam will result in a poor performance in most instances. Students are provided every opportunity to study and apply what they have learned during a course, where constructive feedback is provided based on the instruction I have provided.

Apart from standardized coursework and evaluation, many factors may affect the learning experience: Possibilities such as personal health, the effects of fatigue from working full-time, language barriers, and personal problems, in general, are factors that affect student performance. I make course-related information available as it is required to complete coursework.

Where career information is provided, I ensure that it is accurate and up to date with industry norms. For example, the poster claims that I had mentioned to him that students are making $60k $80k; I know for a fact that salaries have not been in this range for entry-level positions since 1999. I often tell students that they have the potential to reach that range, with 4 5 years of working experience. Industry norms indicate that they may start at around $40k 45k, which is what most students get in a first job offer, (once they have successfully acquired the necessary certification(s).) Either the poster misquoted what I had said, or his salary expectations are in keeping with IT professionals who can justify a higher salary based on their portfolio and (productive) work experiences.

There must be ways to screen what is posted. Postings that are published with pseudonymous names are cowardly because they allow users to hide behind a cloak of anonymity with no way of verifying the factual basis of what is claimed before it is unleashed on an unsuspecting public. If you will allow an individual to express his views pseudonymously, those accused of any improprieties in a post should be allowed to respond in kind before any irrevocable harm is done. But in this case, if the poster felt dissatisfied with a product or service there can be no individual to respond to or held accountable for, nor any way of determining the validity of his claims. As reputable organization, it is only fair that you inform an organization or a particular individual regarding comments directed at them; only then, if the parties directly involved cannot settle their differences, follow-up comments ought to be allowed. How can a response be made if I do not know whom I am responding to?

Sincerely,

Ash Persaud