Released on March 19, 2003
"Giving credit where credit is due" is the focus of Recognizing Prior Learning, or RPL. Partners in the RPL field gathered today in Regina for a workshop co-sponsored by Saskatchewan Learning and SIAST."We're here today to celebrate our achievements, and to offer new resources and tools to RPL practitioners so we can build on our success," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "In Saskatchewan, we are facing a shortage of skilled workers, so it is essential to help people gain recognition for educational credits, on-the-job training, and occupational certifications. We must make use of what our people already know and can do."
RPL is a process that includes qualification recognition, credit transfer, and prior learning assessment and recognition, to help individuals identify and assess their prior learning. Learning can include formal education and training, as well as informal learning, such as life and work experiences.
"Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) lets students complete their training more quickly, and it helps employers stretch their training dollar," SIAST President Dr. Bob McCulloch said. "It plays an important role in advancing a key priority at SIAST, which is expanding access to our programs."
To help sponsor PLAR professional development activities, Minister Junor announced $35,000 in funding for 10 learning institutions, including SIAST. The department also released two new documents to designed as resource tools for RPL professionals.
"Saskatchewan has emerged as one of the leaders in the RPL field," Junor added. "I am proud to say that the groundbreaking work we are doing to recognize learning has given us a national profile."
The goal of today's event and workshop is to increase public access to RPL and build on existing RPL programs and services. Event participants will also hear firsthand from three adult learners who have benefited from the PLAR process at SIAST.
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For More Information, Contact:
Raman Visvanathan Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5739 | Grant Bastedo SIAST Regina Phone: (306)798-6609 |