Skills First - Recognition of Prior Learning
Skills First - Recognition of Prior Learning, also referred to as RPL or recognition of current competencies, is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred.
Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, you may have gained knowledge and skills through your education, work and life experience. RPL suits people who have industry relevant:
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work or trade skills or knowledge
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paid or unpaid work experience
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life experience
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community work experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning could provide you with a full or part qualification, and avoid duplication of training. It could be used to identify what training you may need to undertake to complete a qualification, or could provide a pathway to higher qualifications for people who may not have access to further training.
Benefits
Recognition of Prior Learning can save time in completing a qualification and avoid unnecessary training. It can also provide benefits in other areas, for example:
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improved job security
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re-entry to the workforce
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job promotion
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career change or improvement
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moving from volunteer work to paid employment
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moving on from redundancy or unemployment
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reduced study load
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better planning of future training.
Four steps to Recognition of Prior Learning
1. Applicants should consider what evidence they already have that demonstrates the relevant skills and knowledge. To qualifiy, applicants must be able to demonstrate that skills are current and meet industry standards. Examples of evidence could include:
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work samples
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practical demonstrations in the workplace
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assessment interviews
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references and support from supervisors or others in the community
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a variety of materials including training certificates, photos of work examples, a resume, performance reviews.
2. Contact Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE's RPL Coordinator to discuss your evidence and arrange an appointment with an assessor. Email RPLEnquiries.tnqit@det.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4042 2513.
3. Discuss with the assessor how skills can be 'assessed'. This might involve interviews, observation and questioning, formal trade tests, work samples or presenting other documentation. Generally a combination of assessment types will be used.
4. Once the applicant's skills have been verified to match those required in a particular job or industry, applicants can apply for the skills to be formally recognised. The formal assessment process will begin when an application for RPL, including enrolment fee, has been received.
Cost
RPL can prove to be a more cost and time efficient process which enables applicants to reach career goals more quickly.
Each individual applicant is fully assessed against the national course or qualification. This needs to be discussed with the RPL Coordinator when an application is lodged.
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