Recognition of prior learning (RPL) launch to bring hope to those who have experience

TVET College Role-players together with representatives of the EDTP SETA at the RPL launch held at Encore Restaurant and Conference centre

The RPL Project began in March 2015 with a recruitment and screening process. Candidates were recruited from our existing databases, referred by local forums, NGO’s and other stakeholders.

The official RPL Pilot Project launch took place in the Western Cape and Northlink was one of three colleges that embarked on this project. A total of 100 students were piloted of which 35 students were allocated to Northlink. This initiative will allow for competency based assessment pathways to award credits towards the full FETC: Early Childhood Development (ECD) Level 4 qualification.

The goal of project was to give recognition to employed Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners who are over the age of 23 years with at least five years’ experience. The opportunity would grant them a Level 4 qualification, Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate: Early Childhood Development (58761).

Research has proved the importance of raising adult educational achievement and skills to improve our workforce. RPL has a corrective role to play when candidates’ career paths have been obstructed due to prior learning which has never been assessed nor certified.

The significance of RPL is critical in educational discourse and forms part of the political imperative of transforming education and ultimately society. It is also a foundation to lifelong learning hence Level 4 is an appropriate starting point in ECD.

The individualised learning experiences and backgrounds have been fascinating. We have mapped each candidate’s path – the combination of diagnostic assessment followed by intervention and then concluding with a summative assessment has been a rigorous process. Through an analysis of the candidate’s academic improvement from a diagnostic assessment the notion was confirmed that assessment based RPL is appropriate and valid.

We therefore laud the ETDP/Seta for their vision and initiative to improve the quality of education for our young and vulnerable children.