Unlocking Your Potential: Recognizing Skills Through Assessment of Prior Learning

Learn how your skills and knowledge gained through life experiences can be recognized and used towards achieving a nationally recognized qualification.

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Assessment of Prior Learning

Assessment of Prior Experience and Skills.

APL is a form of assessment that judges if a learner can show evidence that he/she can meet the assessment requirements for a unit or units of an occupational standard through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and thus be awarded the credit for the unit/s or the full qualification. APL involves the process of evaluating individuals with experiences within a given occupation in order to issue formal qualifications. The objective of the evaluation is to determine the competencies which such individuals can appropriately demonstrate in order to be certified.

APL Pathway and Certificate

Recognizing the Growing Demand for Competent and Certified Employees

There is a great need/demand for competent and certified employees in Saint Lucia and within the wider region. The demand in industry for qualifications, experience and credentials of workers is growing. A global economy and the mobility of the workforce are encouraging the recognition of national, regional and international credentials and occupational standards for skill acquisition. In light of such developments, some educational institutions have begun recognising certification achieved via the APL pathway for matriculation purposes.

  • Induction - awareness and information
  • Mentoring –the mentor will give support, guidance and advice and to assess the learners’ capacity.
  • 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
Forms of Evidence of Skills

Assessment Methods and Evidence Collection:

  • Certificates (formal qualifications or statements of attainment)
  • References from line managers
  • Testimonials
  • Witness testaments
  • Observations
  • Assessments
  • Written work / work samples

Guiding Principles: Empowering Education for a Skilled Future

Quality

Emphasis is placed on setting nationally and regionally agreed high standards for TVET programming and delivery.

Efficiency

There is optimal deployment and use of resources within and among institutions responsive to changing demands.

Relevance

TVET provision is aligned with national priorities supports personal and professional development, and meets societal and labour market demands.

Collaboration

TVET is a shared responsibility involving government, private sector organizations, and public and private actors in education and the world of work.


Innovation

New technologies and modalities are applied in the organization, management and delivery of TVET.

Accessibility

increased opportunities and support for the participation of all irrespective of race, gender, socio economic status and religion in TVET is ensured.

Inclusiveness

TVET promotes gender equality and inclusivity for all learners, including vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.

Integration

There is seamless integration of TVET into general education and lifelong learning.

Portability

Provisions facilitate the movement of skilled persons nationally, regionally, and internationally through TVET certification including the NVQ and CVQ.

Sustainability

Strategies are implemented to ensure the preservation of all aspects of the environment including natural, cultural, social, and economic aspects. Of critical concern is the continuity of renewable natural resources, minimised pollution, and reduced depletion rates of non-renewable resources.

Entrepreneurship

Emphasis is given to workplace training, enterprise development, certification of skilled persons, and preparation of young people for entrepreneurship and employment.

Flexibility

Strategies are responsive to changing social and economic conditions, technology, expectations of learners, and national priorities.

Assessment Process

Agency Process: 1. Assessment Request 2. Payment 3. Assessor and Verifier assigned 4. Asssessment and Verification conducted 5. Assessment and Verification reports submitted 6. Certification
Individual (APL): 1. Assessment Request 2. Interview 3. Payment 4. Assessor and Verifier assigned 5. Assessment and verification conducted 6. Assessment and Verification reports submitted 7. Certification