ILO’s current initiative on the recognition of prior learning (RPL) is guided by the conclusions of the general discussion on human resources development and training at the International Labour Conference (ILC) 2000. As one of the key elements in HRD practice, the discussion highlighted the importance of: “…skills learned and competencies gained, irrespective of how and where they have been learned, e.g. through formal and non-formal education and training, work experience and on-the-job learning” and that “Every person should have the opportunity to have (such) experiences and skills assessed, recognized and certified”.
The importance of RPL was further emphasised at the International Labour Conference this year (June 2003). The member states, represented by tripartite delegates (i.e. workers, employers and governments), are currently working towards the development of a new international labour standard concerning human resource development and training. The proposed text for the new standard was discussed and agreed at the conference and it will be considered for formal adoption next year. Qualifications and the recognition of individual skills were among the main components of this initiative. Considerable attention was given to the role of recognising prior learning, in particular skills learned in the workplace, as a means of promoting lifelong learning and employability. After nearly two weeks of intense discussion, the following draft text was adopted in relation to the recognition of skills: “ (The instrument should encourage Members to promote) the development and implementation, with the social partners, of a transparent mechanism for the assessment, certification and recognition of skills and credentials, including the accreditation and validation of prior learning and previous experience, irrespective of the countries where they were acquired and whether acquired formally or informally, and using a national qualifications framework.”
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