Project 6: Recognition of Prior Learning Report

Abstract

This resource, “Project 6: Recognition of Prior Learning Report” published by the Australian VET Research Association (AVETRA), is the result of research by Deb Carr (Project Manager and Chief Investigator) and Helen Smith. “Unlocking Australia’s Skills Potential: A Comprehensive Analysis of RPL” is the sixth project funded by the Victorian Skills Authority [VSA]. Its focus is on a wide range of approaches to the recognition of prior learning [RPL] within the training and vocational education systems of Australia. As described in its introduction, “The Project aimed to provide policymakers with a high-level overview of how RPL was conceptualized on the world stage and introduced to the budding Australian VET system in the 1990s. The report includes an examination of key enablers and barriers in several countries including Australia that has influenced the use of RPL.” Of particular relevance to this issue of PLAIO, the 226 page report includes a section (3.6.3, page 76) that includes some details on RPL in Victoria and its value to refugee/asylum seekers; indeed, the report note that there is a resource center (The Asylum Seekers Resource Center [ASRC]) that has its own program and procedures that seek to “connect asylum seekers with the existing RPL mechanisms within the VET sector and lobbies for as more accessible and practical approach to skills recognition for those who have fled prosecution.”  

Citation 

Carr, D., & Smith, H. (2025). Unlocking Australia’s skills potential: A comprehensive analysis of RPL. TVET Global. https://avetra.org.au/resources/Documents/VSA%20Project/AVETRA%20VSA%20Project%206%20Report%20-%20RPL%20Analysis.pdf