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.
Recognizing Prior Learning for Farm Women: Marketing Your Skills For Employment
Overview of Project
The principles and practices of recognizing prior learning (RPL) formed the foundation of a pilot workshop, “Marketing Your Skills For Employment” for farm women in the Dauphin area.
Needs/Opportunities
The workshop was designed to help participants understand what potential employers may be looking for and to document their prior learning and experience to market themselves to employers.
Overview of Project
The principles and practices of recognizing prior learning (RPL) formed the foundation of a pilot workshop, “Marketing Your Skills For Employment” for farm women in the Dauphin area.
Needs/Opportunities
The workshop was designed to help participants understand what potential employers may be looking for and to document their prior learning and experience to market themselves to employers.
Applying RPL
The workshop helped participants:
- Document their own skills, knowledge and attitudes gained through experience
- Identify jobs of interest and skills needed to fulfill those jobs
- Prepare and present information to potential employers
- Prepare for potential job interviews, including how to position their prior learning
Impact
Participants identified that the workshop assisted them in recognizing and articulating skills they already had - as proven by their work on the farm - and prepared them to translate and document that learning for potential employers.
Lessons Learned
Participants realized they had skills they had previously taken for granted and saw the importance of processes to assist them in putting down on paper their prior learning and how to discuss it with potential employers.
Participants also identified that the next step was building confidence in using their newly realized skills.