Background
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is organizing a ‘Webinar – Innovations and Strategies for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)’. The webinar aims to support policymakers and practitioners in the design and implementation of RPL systems in the fast-changing world of work and to address the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Most learning takes place through non-formal and informal means, whether at work, home, or elsewhere. In fact, in many developing countries, the majority of people acquire workplace skills by informal means. In the absence of recognized qualifications, they face severe disadvantages as far as finding decent jobs, migrating to other regions and accessing further education and training. Unfortunately, most formal education and training systems are not geared to recognize non-formal and informal learning. This not only hinders the development of human capital but is also a cause of its under-utilization. As a result, the recognition of knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through non-formal and informal means is becoming a highly aspirational, political and social issue, attracting the attention of policymakers.
Given its importance, key international standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and EU policy papers, as well as national policies recommend that countries establish recognition of prior learning (RPL) system. Many countries have initiated steps towards establishing RPL systems, but the majority face challenges to their successful implementation. Therefore, policy-makers and practitioners are seeking support from the ILO and other institutions in this area.
Objectives and discussion questions
The objectives of the webinar, Innovations and Strategies for Recognition for Prior Learning, are:
- To examine the challenges faced by countries in developing, implementing and scaling up RPL
- To exchange experiences and good practices undertaken by various countries to overcome challenges
- To share innovative practices in using digital technology for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the RPL process
- To share evidence of benefits of RPL
- To identify policy recommendations for RPL systems
The key questions that will be discussed are as follows:
- What is the evidence of benefits of RPL?
- What are the challenges in implementing and scaling up RPL?
- What are innovative and good practices to overcome the challenges?
- As the advancements in technology can facilitate the preparation of e-portfolio (by recording video of a person while performing tasks in an actual workplace), do countries need to do a trade test before certifying a person competent?
- What are the lessons learned and policy recommendations for RPL?
Who should join the webinar?
The webinar is designed for the representatives of public authorities, employers and workers organisations, assessment bodies, TVET institutes and other stakeholders who are involved in the design and implementation of RPL.
Registration link
Language
The working language of the webinar will be English.