Enrolment & Recognition of Prior Learning [RPL]
If you were successful in your interview, here are the enrollment details, for the 2009 photography course.
Enrolment day is Tuesday the 3rd of February, for new students, [1st Years,] and 10am Wednesday, 4th February f[or returning 2nd years]. This process takes approximately 1/2 a day. And requires you bring:-
Pen paper and diary
Your VBOS number, Student ID number.
A photocopy of Identification, such as Birth Certificate, or Passport. [Students born in another country MUST bring their passport, citizenship papers or Visa.]
Your Medicare Number
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL, is the acknowledgment of skills and knowledge obtained through learning achieved outside the formal education and training system and includes work and life experience including paid and volunteer work and skills attained through leisure pursuits such as musical, mechanical or linguisitic abilities.
RPL recognises any prior knowledge and experience and measures it against the qualification in which students are enrolled. The individual may not need to complete all of a training program if he or she already possesses some of the competencies taught in the program.
Why apply for RPL?.
Applying successfully for RPL may:
- Eliminate or reduce the need for training in skills already possessed.
- Save time in attending classes and completing unnecessary work.
- Save money (no need to buy textbooks or learning resources).
- Allow for the earlier completion of a qualification.
- Enable advancement to a higher level qualification if desired.
The Process
Prior to application, the candidate is provided with information regarding the qualification in which they wish to enrol. This information includes the units of competency and the skills and knowledge required to be deemed competent in these units.
An evidence guide will provide the candidate with information about the type of evidence that will be required to demonstrate competence; this may include letters, emails, certificates etc. The candidtate will then be required to produce a portolio of the evidence collected, and bring this to the subsequent RPL interview.
The candidate then carries out a self-assessment to determine whether or not they wish to proceed with the RPL process.
The candidate then enrols in the chosen course and informs the administrator of their decision to apply for RPL. An introductory interview will be carried out with an RPL Assessor who will discuss the candidate's self-assessment and the evidence required to be deemed competent.
Candidates may choose to apply for RPL in one or more units, or an entire qualification.
Once the candidate has gathered the required evidence, an RPL Assessment interview takes place. At this time, the assessor will discuss the evidence you have provided, ask questions to establish underpinning knowledge and if necessary, decide upon any gap training that may be required.
Following on from this, a final assessment will take place whereby the RPL Assessor determines whether or not the candidate is competent. If deemed competent for one or more units (or a whole qualification), the candidate will receive a result of RPL for this unit/s and will not be required to submit any further work or attend further training.
Often a visit to a candidate's workplace can be the most effective and efficient method of assessing an RPL application. It provides the opportunity for the candidate to describe and demonstrate the job function on the job.
The assessor can access and view additional forms of evidence if required which further develops a picture of competence. Authentication of the candidate's work can also be obtained by their supervisor, which is an essential aspect of RPL.
We will grant recognition of prior learning to any one who feels they can meet the criteria for this. You need to be enrolled to apply for this status. Contact us for more info.
Here's a checklist to help you decide if you are eligible for an RPL.
RPL FAQ
What can count towards RPL?
RPL is about providing formal recognition of your current knowledge and skills. As part of the RPL process you will be required to match your knowledge and skills to the learning outcomes of the course you are enrolled in.
Types of Evidence:
There are three forms of evidence that can be used to demonstrate competence. These include formal qualifications, work experience and life experience.
Formal qualifications: When supplying formal qualifications from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) you must supply a copy of the certificate and a transcript of the competencies achieved, with 'National Unit Codes' listed.
When supplying formal qualifications from a learning institution that is not a RTO, or does not have a transcript with the 'National Unit Codes' listed, you must supply the learning outcomes for each subject you are seeking RPL for. This is to enable PIC photographic imaging college to make a comparison of the learning outcomes.
Note: The learning outcomes must demonstrate that they describe the subjects listed, e.g. they are printed on the educational institution's letterhead.
Work and life experience: When assessing evidence from work and/or life experience, PIC photographic imaging college must ensure the knowledge and/or skills described in the evidence matches the learning outcomes of the subjects you are applying for.
Types of evidence can be:
- In-house training
- Workplace reference
- Statement of duties
- Work project
- Newspaper cuttings of achievements
- Minutes of meetings attended or conducted
- Documents showing organising/supervisor skills
Awards Note: In all cases, PIC photographic imaging must be satisfied that the documents demonstrate your competence. A letter from your supervisor/manager on company letterhead, or from a community leader verifying and supporting the evidence is one method.
Which of my skills and knowledge are relevant?
To work out if your current knowledge and skills are relevant, and could be recognised as credit towards the course you are enrolled in you need to: Assemble a portfolio of all relevant information to any of the modules in the course. It might be advisable for you to find a person to help with this process and who can become your RPL support person. This person could be your workplace supervisor, a co-worker, a family member or a friend. Your RPL support person should be someone who knows about your skills and knowledge, and who could assist you in identifying which modules you could apply for RPL.
Once you have determined if your knowledge and skills match any of the modules, you need to consider the evidence you are able to collect to verify that you have achieved the learning outcomes for the relevant modules. (Learning outcomes are statements that outline what a student can do at the completion of a module).
RPL application Form
You can download the RPL form but you must be an enrolled student to apply for any RPL.
