18 March 2009
CEO uses RPL to set nationwide first!
Fiona, Maree and Nancy
It's not unusual for a person with a wealth of workplace skills and knowledge to gain a TAFE qualification as formal recognition for years of learning on the job.
It is unusual when that person encourages the rest of her team of 70 workers to do the same, so that every single employee undertakes training to ensure they are qualified to industry standards – a first not only for organisations in WA, but for the nation!
CEO Maree Pont from Pilbara and Kimberley Care explains how her own experience with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Pilbara TAFE led her to motivate others to enrol at the College and credits the process with shaping an ongoing culture of learning in the workplace.
"At the end of 2005, I started making enquiries about gaining a Certificate IV in Aged Care," explains Maree. "Over the years, I had studied a range of short courses and collected various certificates, so I thought I'd consolidate all that knowledge through a formal process."
"Once I sat down with my lecturer, Fiona, it was very satisfying to see it all add up. As well as gaining formal recognition, there was a lot of personal recognition in there too - I was thrilled to realise that years of workplace learning could translate so effectively into a nationally recognised qualification."
"I'm now using RPL to gain a Diploma in Community Services Management, and at least 12 other staff members are currently enrolled in RPL for qualifications in Disability Work, while others are enrolled in Business."
"I'm very proud that we're promoting education as such an integral part of our organisation. It shows our staff that we value their skills and on-going quest for knowledge and shows our clients that we follow best practice."
Lecturer Fiona Smith adds that, apart from motivating staff to undertake further training, RPL is a great confidence booster for individuals as well as employees.
"Having your skills formally recognised in a nationally accredited system can really boost your resume and your opportunities for promotion," Fiona says. "You can also use recognised skills as a way of getting into further training – perhaps for an entirely different career."
Maree agrees that although the RPL process is rigorous – it's worth it.
"At first it's a bit daunting because you have to compile evidence to satisfy your assessor that you're up to an industry standard."
"With Fiona's support however, all that time and effort became an investment in my future and I can guarantee it puts you on the path towards greater job security and career satisfaction."
For more information on Recognition of Prior Learning at Pilbara TAFE,
call 1300 304 244.
Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au