Section 8A. There shall be an office of private occupational school education within the division of professional licensure, under the direction and supervision of the commissioner of the division. The office of private occupational school education shall assist the commissioner in carrying out the powers, duties and responsibilities set forth in section 263 of chapter 112 and the commissioner may appoint such employees as necessary to carry out such powers, duties and responsibilities. The office of private occupational school education shall not be considered a board serving in the division of professional licensure, within the meaning of this chapter.