Recognition of Prior Learning

What is RPL? »Formal definition: RPL is a form of assessment that judges if a learner can evidence that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit or units through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and thus be awarded the credit for the unit/s or qualification. RPL Sample Induction Slides 2

How does it work? »You can help learners to look at the training and appraisal records and jobs tasks to select the most suitable units from qualifications to use for the RPL process »It will be a work-based process led by the learner and involving other staff at their organisation including line managers and the training and development staff to assist with the evidence gathering »Through work, training, voluntary work, hobbies and interests, people gain new skills, understanding and knowledge »We shall work with the learners to gather their evidence of the skills and knowledge that they have that match units from qualifications to give them formal recognition for those skills and knowledge RPL Sample Induction Slides 3

What will learners get out of RPL? »Formal recognition of some of their skills and knowledge by being awarded at least one unit, and probably more from one or more qualifications »Then be able to gain more units or a qualification by RPL or by completing training »A new CV and training plan that records the next stage – further RPL or training »This process is required to get each learner’s evidence to the point of being ready to award credit – and the process of gaining credit will be undertaken by the centre at the earliest possible time RPL Sample Induction Slides 4

Qualifications and units »Vocational qualifications are constructed from units and to gain a qualification candidates are assessed against a recognised combination of the units contained in a qualification »Each unit is defined by: » degree of difficulty by level » size by credit value (1 credit = 10 hours learning) » learning outcomes (unit content) » assessment criteria (standards to achieve unit) » An example of a Q card is provided in your pack RPL Sample Induction Slides 5

How will RPL work? RPL Sample Induction Slides Learner RPL Process Induction Mentoring Evidence Assessment Award of credit 6 Provider (s) Banked credit from training RPL credit New credit from training RPL credit Qualification Experience Skills Knowledge

Process of RPL (1) »Induction - awareness and information »Mentoring –the mentor will give support, guidance and advice and to assess the learners’ capacity to complete RPL for units »Mentor will work with learners to develop a time bound action plan to gather evidence »The evidence for award of credit must be current, authentic, valid, reliable and sufficient RPL Sample Induction Slides 7

Process of RPL (2) »The evidence of skills, knowledge and understanding can take a variety of forms » Certificates (formal qualifications or statements of attainment) » References from line managers » Testimonials » Witness testaments » Observations » Assessments » Written work / work samples RPL Sample Induction Slides 8

Process of RPL (3) »Assessment of evidence » Done by an assessor »Internal Verification of the assessment » Check of the assessment to ensure that it has been done with the necessary rigour to meet regulatory and ILM’s requirements »Finally, this is externally verified by the ILM to award credit RPL Sample Induction Slides 9

Benefits of RPL RPL is a motivator and boosts confidence by giving formal recognition for the skills, knowledge and understanding gained within or outside the workplace the opportunity to take the recognition forward to further RPL or training to achieve more units or qualifications and thus give the qualifications for a new role or job or promotion can provide a more efficient and economical route to qualifications avoids the need to repeat training and can assist career development by recognising the scope and level of skills, understanding and experience RPL Sample Induction Slides10

»The process will require: » Effective working with learner and centre » Managers’ understanding of the RPL process » Access to learner’ records » Access to line managers to endorse evidence » Sessions with the learners that accommodate their work patterns but achieve the project outcomes » Good communication between all involved RPL Sample Induction Slides 11 In summary…

RPL Sample Induction Slides Any Questions? 12

Thank you RPL Sample Induction Slides13