Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL POLICY

AiTT has a commitment to the principles of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC), being made available on an equal opportunity bases for all course participants. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of skills and knowledge obtained through:

- formal training (Industry and Education),
- work experience, and
- life experience.

The main focus of RPL is the Learning Outcomes or competencies of these experiences; not how, when or where the learning occurred.

AiTT will seek formally to recognise prior learning and will substantiate this process by determining in a supportive environment the matching of prior learning in terms of competency standards within accredited courses.

RPL PROCESS

The aim of the AiTT RPL process is to assist individuals to realise life and career goals. In particular, the RPL process can help individuals to re-enter the workforce, move from volunteer work to paid employment, gain a promotion, change jobs, improve job security and/or meet the minimum entry requirements for a training course. RPL can save individuals and their workplace time and money by reducing the amount of time spent away from work for unnecessary training.

The RPL process will recognise the skills, knowledge and experience an individual has developed throughout their work, life and education. The process would be centred on the individuals and their work skill and knowledge, including paid, unpaid or community experiences. Skills to be considered for recognition may have been gained through:

• formal or informal training and education
• work skills or knowledge
• general life experience
• any combination of the above.

While individuals will need to provide some documented evidence to support their claim for recognition to an assessor e.g. a resume, certificates, performance reviews, or job description, other ways of demonstrating competence might include:

• Work samples
• Practical demonstrations in the workplace
• Competency conversations
• References and support from supervisors
• Portfolio of photos, testimonials, and other such documents

When any candidate wishes to consider RPL for the whole or for part of the course, a relevant and senior AiTT instructor will talk to the candidate and explain the whole RPL process and the requirements for the course. The candidate will be given:

• clear, succinct information about the process – verbally and in writing
• information about cost and ‘student or workplace’ policies
• a person to talk to and contact for further enquiries (e.g. course coordinator or facilitator)
• relevant application and enrolment forms and procedures (clearly explained)
• guidance in relation to methods of assessment (e.g. on the job, projects, simulated, observation,    demonstration, written)
• mentoring and guidance in relation to generating evidence (e.g. types, validity, verification, how much is 'enough')

• on going support and encouragement (RTO and workplace)
• feedback throughout the process from Assessor and/or supervisor
• grievance and appeal mechanisms
• gap training opportunities.

The main focus of RPL is the Learning Outcomes or competencies of these experiences; not how, when or where the learning occurred. 

AiTT will seek formally to recognise prior learning and will substantiate this process by determining in a supportive environment the matching of prior learning in terms of competency standards within accredited courses.

All full and part time staff members of AiTT have an understanding of the RPL policy, process and implementation principles and are committed to recognising the prior learning of individuals.  This will ensure that individuals will not have to duplicate their training unnecessarily.

Course participants of AiTT are made aware of the RPL Policy so that every individual may have his or her prior learning recognised. Course participants within AiTT are provided with information in order to be confident that the RPL process available is fair. 

All course participants are also made aware of the Grievance Policy for students in terms of a review and appeal mechanism in regard to RPL processes and decisions. Individuals applying for RPL within AiTT are provided with adequate support.  Personnel involved in the assessment process will be made aware of support available so that an efficient and effective service is maintained.

AiTT has developed RPL toolkits for all courses and these are given to students who wish to have their previous learning and work experiences recognised against competencies of a course.

Please contact us for further information.