1. Expansion of Recognition of Prior Learning in TAFE NSW

2. Commonwealth Agenda for Expanding RPL Nationally COAG – February 2006: By January 2007 all RTOs in receipt of public funding will have a contractual obligation to offer all workers entering training who are not new entrants to the labour market, a quick and simple process to recognise their existing skills.

3. Recognition of prior learning must be offered to all participants upon enrolment and prior to commencement of formal training delivery (Clause included in APL contracts.)

4. New Recording and Reporting RPL Requirements From 2007, RTOs required to record and report at module/unit level all RPL assessments undertaken regardless of outcome From 2006, Commonwealth will count 100 per cent of RPL effort the same as the effort associated with training delivery and assessment

5. Commonwealth RPL Enhancement Program 2006-8 matched funds to states (total $6.6m to New South Wales) Proposed projects: Virtual recognition centre PD programs for staff 10 industry focused RPL and gap training projects (including plumbing, electrical, construction, manufacturing, community services, auto, hairdressing, food processing)

6. TAFE NSW Action Plan Negotiate & coordinate CW funded projects Update policies and procedures RPL targets in Institutes’ SDS & Perf Agreements Feasibility study - Institute Recognition Centres and alternate models Systems to improve recording & reporting of RPL Methods to assess applicants for RPL Tools to support teachers in assessing RPL Training of TAFE NSW staff Quality assurance mechanisms & audit processes Materials to promote RPL

7. RPL Enhancement Projects BVET funds in 2006  Enhance ‘Prove It’  Enhance Skills Testing (Develop and pilot tools for skills testing in 10 trade based industry areas - auto, bricklaying, carpentry, engineering, commercial cookery, hairdressing, mechanical, refrigeration, retail bakery)

8. TAFE NSW RPL Steering Cttee Pam Christie (chair) Susan Hartigan (Western Sydney) Gary Pollock ( New England) Kim Fillingham (GM Business) Margaret Sullivan (CSHTH CC) Claire Field (TAFE PSR) Robin Booth (TAFE Policy) Jill Albrecht ( Hunter)