The vexed issue of recognition of prior learning in apprenticeships – comment by CEO Jenny Dodd

In the recently released Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme – Skills for tomorrow: shaping the future of apprenticeships, recommendation 6.1 highlights the need for more recognition of prior learning. The recommendation reads “The Australian Government, vocational education and training regulators, and Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) collectively support best practice in recognition of prior learning for apprentices, to fast-track apprentices where they can demonstrate competency” (p25).

There are many apprentices entering their industries who have either done whole or part apprenticeships in a different industry. Equally they may have a collection of other learning, perhaps through non-assessed microskills. There are others who have significant work and life experience in other areas who should be able to move through the apprenticeship more quickly. Understanding the individual’s existing skills and backgrounds has always been a requirement. Tackling the problem of recognising their existing knowledge, skills and capabilities has been with us since competency was introduced. Enabling them to progress more quickly where they have competency has always been important.

However, there are many challenges with this noble goal.

The first is related to the potential for a “tick-and-flick” approach if recognition of prior learning is incentivised. During our TDA Newsletters this year, we have reported on students who have been impacted through ASQA’s investigations into a small number of RTOs issuing qualifications through recognition of prior learning where there has not been appropriate assessment by qualified staff. Perhaps the revised RTO standards, working hand in glove with Jobs and Skills Australia’s RTO typology study, may help here.

Secondly, many employers have no interest in a fast-track apprenticeship. There are many reasons where keeping apprentices in lock step progression is advantageous. Many years ago, I was involved in a fast-track apprenticeship initiative led by the pre-cursor to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. This project was targeted at chefs. It never was mainstreamed due to the fact the industrial relations system could not support the fast-tracking. So, the JSCs will have much work to do here to convince their stakeholder base of industry how to introduce new models to enable fast-tracking.

And finally, there is the individual themselves. Some will have the confidence that they already have the skills and knowledge, while others may not be so confident. I think of a young hairdresser with whom I currently interacted who was quite scared to progress too quickly. Conversely, I think of a young NSW trade apprentice who had completed one apprenticeship and was then moving into another area of construction who was very frustrated with the lack of recognition of prior learning for his second apprenticeship.

So, while it is a worthy recommendation to fast-track apprenticeships through recognition of prior learning, it is unlikely that it will be an easy one for JSCs, government and regulators to implement.