Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

What is PLAR?

Prior Learning assessment and recognition allows the learner to demonstrate, identify and document any learning gained through formal, non-formal and informal learning.

What is formal, informal and non-formal learning?

Formal learning occurs in an organised and structured environment (a school/training centre or on the job) and leads to certification. Informal learning results from daily activities related to work or leisure. Tasks are not organised or have structured objectives, time or learning support. It does not lead to certification. Non-formal learning an educational activity with clear learning outcomes taking place out of the educational institution and does not lead to credit (seminar/workshop).

Why PLAR?

  • There are different reasons why individuals do PLAR.
  • Personal development
  • Certification
  • Access to further learning
  • Promotion
  • Career change

What are the benefits of the PLAR to the employer?

  • Reduces time away from production
  • Improves skills in the workplace
  • Validates employees value and experience
  • Determines/diagnoses skills levels
  • Assists in planning of skills programmes

What are the benefits of PLAR to the learner?

  • Reduces duplication of learning
  • Enables completion of formal studies in a shorter time period
  • Increases opportunities for return learning
  • Identification of gaps in learners competence in terms of a qualification
  • Improve self esteem

How the PLAR process work:

  • Past jobs
  • Life experience
  • Samples of your work
  • Any industry representative endorsements related learning experiences,
  • Completed national qualification
  • Academic Records
  • Endorsed photographs of work undertaken or produced
  • Specific evidence as identified by assessor
  • Task/job sheets/log books
  • Membership of relevant professional associations
  • Industry awards/certificates/results of assessment
  • Site training records

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