Beyond Manitoba
Academic credentials are often automatically included in job requirements because they are seen as minimum standards for skills and knowledge.
But current practice in Europe is placing increasing emphasis on recognizing learning in the workplace because that is where the rubber hits the road in terms of effectiveness.
John Konrad has been tracking these issues for several years as a vocational instructor and an internationally recognized researcher.
Boeing Competency Development Project
Overview of Project
Boeing Winnipeg implemented Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) to document competencies and develop individual learning plans for all 71 job positions.
Needs/Opportunities
In part, the project was developed to document competencies consistent with the AS9100 audit process. As well, the documented competencies would provide Boeing with the ability to match learning activities to job competencies and to create assessments for benchmarking employees to these job competencies.
Current qualifications for all positions within the organization had not been updated and maintained.
Applying RPL
RPL principles and practices were used to create a Skills Assessment Matrix to identify the skills, and knowledge required for a job, as linked to learning activities and to proficiency levels. As well, a process to recognize prior learning was created to help assess the skills and knowledge levels of employees.
Impact
The resulting processes assists Boeing in its Leadership Workforce Planning Process to ensure a continuous supply of qualified candidates is built and maintained for all working levels and leadership positions within the organization.
Lessons Learned
Boeing applied RPL to its existing human resource software system to incorporate Essential Skills (Essential Skills link). The project demonstrated the flexibility of RPL in capitalizing on existing human resource investments in the work place.