Recognition of Prior Learning resources

September 16th, 2009 by swilson in Article, Resources, Training

DEEWR

Recognition of Prior Learning, usually shortened to Recognition or just RPL, is the process for giving a candidate credit for skills, knowledge and experience gained through working and learning. It can be gained at any stage of their lives, through formal and informal learning, in Australia or overseas, through work or other activities such as volunteering.

Recognition means the candidate gains credit towards a vocational qualification – sometimes a full qualification – without undertaking a complete training program. Recognition is faster, cheaper and more efficient than putting people through training in areas they already know well. It means less time off the job and is more satisfying for the learner.

The Commonwealth government has over the past three years funded the NSW Department of Education and Training (NSW DET) to manage small-scale pilot projects across NSW to explore different recognition strategies in various workplace and community contexts. These projects, which were run by a range of industry, provider and community groups, have resulted in important insights and valuable resources that training providers, enterprises and learners can download for free on SkillsOnline at https://www.skillsonline.net.au/