Recognition of Prior Learning - FAST TRACK your Training

Recognition of Prior Learning, (RPL), is an alternative, informal learning pathway towards a qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Many people would like to gain a qualification but have no recognised certification to testify to the skills and knowledge they have achieved through informal and non-formal learning in the workplace, through involvement with community organisations, voluntary work or the pursuit of personal interests.

RPL is a process of assessment of your skills, knowledge and competencies that relate to a course you are taking in any education or training sector, for the purposes of:

• gaining entry to a formal program of education and training leading to a national qualification under the AQF, or
• having that knowledge or skills assessed so it counts towards completion of your course.

As an alternative, informal learning pathway, RPL is different from the Credit Transfer pathway which is based on your formal, recognised and certified learning. In Credit Transfer, an assessment is made on the extent to which the original course or subject you undertook is equivalent to subjects, units, modules or competencies or entry requirements in the course you are now undertaking.

With RPL it is your learning that is assessed for equivalence, not the course or subject as in Credit Transfer.

Benefits for your business
Recognition of Prior Learning can:

• be used to achieve full or part qualifications--it could be a strong motivation for skilled staff to commit themselves to your business
• help you identify areas where your staff may need further training. It can help you target your training investment, and actually reduce training costs
• boost productivity and help you retain an edge over competitors
• save time in getting your workforce qualified.

What is involved?
Simply contact the GippsTAFE Recognition of Prior Learning Officer, as your employee/s will be required to go through an assessment process with an assessor to see if their skills meet today's industry standards.

Candidates will need to provide evidence that they possess current knowledge and skills. This evidence may include certification, references from past employers, testimonials from clients, work samples and work site visits. In many instances GippsTAFE can provide you with RPL Self Assessment Kits to facilitate the process.

You can support your employee/s to present their evidence by:

• allowing an assessor to observe your employees at work
• providing information about yoru employees work and skills
• allowing an assessor accesss to relevant documentation.

Once you know what skills and experience your employee/s have you can look at negotiating a training plan with the registered training organisation to address any skills gaps.

Costs
Recognition of Prior Learning is designed to minimise the time and cost involved in training and should be cheaper than pursuing a complete formal training and assessment pathway. The costs will vary for each individual case. Talk to the GippsTAFE RPL Officer regarding the costs associated with RPL.

Like to know more?
Contact the GippsTAFE Regocnition of Prior Learning Officer:
Julie Bartram
Tel: (03) 5120 4556
Email: julieb@gippstafe.vic.edu.au

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