| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
One of the primary purposes of EverTrain is to provide access to units of competency that are based on research outputs and new technologies developed by the FFI CRC. EverTrain will not provide access to common 'core' units of competency that are required to fulfil the requirements of a full qualification eg. Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management or Agricultural Management.
 However through our links with the Tocal College (Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre), a National Leader in agricultural and land management education, we can assist in the acquisition of the competencies required for these awards through RPL.
What is RPL?
Students can gain credit for skills or knowledge gained at school, on farms, TAFE or elsewhere. This means they do not have to do units they already know and can use the time to gain further skills and experience. Prior experience or learning may allow students to complete courses within a shorter time period.
How do I apply for RPL?
The process of applying for RPL is administered within Tocal College. In order to gain RPL for particular units of competency you need to undertake a 'skills recognition' process.
The chances are that most workers and business people have built up a range of skills and abilities in the workplace through experience, formal and informal training and workshops. This 'bank' of skills, knowledge and abilities they have developed can now be measured against nationally recognised industry standards. The Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre has set up a process to help people in the rural and related industries to appraise their skills and abilities against these nationally recognised standards.
There are six steps to this process.
Step 1. Find out how the process works and enrol:
The first step in the process is to contact the Skills Recognition Coordinator at Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre (MRSC). The coordinator will explain the process of skills recognition and provide advice about your options relating to the various awards. Be sure to mention the units of competency you are undertaking in EverTrain.
They will also provide advice on the fees associated with the 'skills recognition' service.
Contact the MRSC Skills Recognition Coordinator at:
Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre
Private Mail Bag
Yanco NSW 2703
Freecall: 1800 628 422
Phone: 02 6951 2696
Fax: 02 6951 2620
|
Step 2. Decide on the Units and order your ASSESS sheets:
- Your job description and duties will influence the Units you choose eg.
- Supervisor / Team Leader Level 4 Units
- Business Manager / Owner-Operator Level 5 Units
- Director / Industry Leader Level 6 Units
- Determine what you are good at or comfortable with. Look at the Unit Titles of the qualification and discuss with the Skills Recognition Co-ordinator.
- Compare your knowledge and skills with the ASSESS sheet for that particular Unit. Example ASSESS sheets are included in this Handbook.
- You need to select your main interest areas on which you wish to be assessed.
- Choose Units that best recognise the skills you have. Your Skills Recognition co-ordinator will help you with this.
|
Step 3.Prepare your case and present your evidence in a folder:
- Produce a detailed CV/Resume See sample included in this handbook
- Provide a copy of your Job Description.
- Present a case along the format used in the ASSESS sheet for each unit you have chosen. That is:
A – Can you answer the questions?
S – Can you show or demonstrate this particular unit?
S – Can you provide samples?
E – List your experience.
S – Can you get support or references to confirm your experience and ability?
S – What studies or training have you done in this subject? How have you used this training?
|
Step 4. Present your case:
Post your written submission to the college or make an interview appointment with the Skills Recognition Coordinator.
|
Step 5. Case Assessment:
The co-ordinator will then submit your case to the College Credential Committee. Your application will then be assessed and you will be informed of the decision.
|
Step 6. Complete the Case:
You will receive notification of the decision and detailed feedback on your submission. Any deficiencies will be highlighted and suggestions given to complete the case. Depending on the decision you may:
- receive a qualification
- plan to complete additional training
- submit further information to the committee
- appeal the decision of the panel
- decide on how to fill any gaps in your skills. Discuss with the Skills Recognition Coordinator.
|
Top of page
How is it assessed?
Assessment for Skills Recognition can be carried out two different ways:
- Desk Audit . You can prepare a written submission following the guidelines in the skills recognition program booklet and the ASSESS Sheets provided by the Skills Assessment Coordinator. This is returned to the Skills Recognition Coordinator at MRSC for review and assessment. If there are any deficiencies in the case or further evidence is required, you will be given detailed feedback and advice to help you complete your case. This process takes some time and effort to collect and present your case effectively.
- Interview . You can arrange an appointment with the Skills Recognition Co-ordinator for an interview at your workplace or home. (Conditions apply to the availability of this service). The Skills Recognition Co-ordinator will visit you and review the evidence you present to support your case. In most cases the assessment takes 3 to 4 hours and does not require as much preparation as a detailed written submission.
What do I need?
 To achieve any unit of competence you must demonstrate your skills and knowledge. It is important to gather evidence for all study units to confirm your achievements.
Decide how you will show the assessor that you have these experience, skills and knowledge specified in the Units you have chosen. This evidence can include:
- References from persons familiar with your achievements. This may include Management, Technical Specialist, fellow members of regional or local committees, work colleagues, the members of a community service group (eg Rural Fire Service) social, sporting or community club where you have some involvement.
- Statement of attainment or attendance from a training course
- Personal resume including management or relevant experience
- Academic transcripts
- Position description for the job that you have
- Financial Plans you have developed
- Risk management plan
- Forms you have completed
- Various types of records e.g. Chemical Application, Property Plans, OH&S incident records
- Workplace reports, journals, diaries or calendar of events
- Photographic or written demonstration of achievements
- Staff evaluations from employers and employees
- Permits or licences you have
- Memberships held.
Where documentation is available, you should attach evidence of training and experience.
Not everything has to be produced in written form. The assessor can gather evidence to support your application by talking to you over the phone or on their visit to your workplace if arranged.
The idea is for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skill in the easiest possible way. It is acceptable if one piece of evidence covers several units. If you need several pieces of evidence to meet the requirements, that is also fine.
The role of the assessor is to assist you in demonstrating what you know, not what you don’t know. The Assessor is also there to help you identify and develop your future training needs.
Where do I get more information?
The best place to start is by contacting the Skills Recognition Coordinator at the MRSC. A comprehensive Handbook is available that outlines in detail the requirement of the process. You can download a copy of the Handbooks here.
Skills Recognition Program in Agricultural Management - 2009
Skills Recognition Program in Conservation and Land Management - 2008
Top of page
| 
