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February 20, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04-11
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA- The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding of $825,248 over three years to support a new multi-year research project by the Centre for Education and Work.
As outlined in the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is committed to creating a culture of lifelong learning and to ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This project will measure the long-term effects of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) as a labour market tool to help workers in transition in organizations affected by an economic downturn. It is hoped that the study will validate that PLAR is an effective long-term tool for employment transition, career development, and improved employability in the job market.
"The PLAR initiative is part of the Workplace Skills Strategy, whose objective is to strengthen our nation's capacity to produce the skilled workers and the kind of work force that will carry us forward in the 21st century," said Minister Volpe. "The basic goal is to help workers develop and apply the skills needed in today's changing work force."
This national research project is the first of its kind in Canada, and its results could have a significant impact for PLAR and its adoption in Canadian workplaces, academic institutions and Government policy.
"Those of us in the alternative education community have seen the positive impact that PLAR has had on individuals, but we have yet to put PLAR to the test through a formal research project in the workplace. We are very interested in the results," said Dr. Robin Millar, Executive Director of the Centre for Education and Work.
The recognition of prior learning is an important component of Canada's lifelong learning agenda. Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a key innovation in Canada's learning system that will facilitate the admission and graduation of students from diverse backgrounds and levels of academic preparation, meet urgent and relevant labour market demands, and enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability within the teaching, learning and administrative systems.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs.
For more information see attached backgrounder.
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For more information:
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(819) 994-5559
BACKGROUNDER
LAUNCH OF PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION WORKERS IN TRANSITION PROJECT
On Friday, February 20, 2004, the Centre for Education and Work launched a new project, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Workers in Transition, funded by the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development.
Under this project, the Centre for Education and Work will conduct research, which will measure the long-term effects of PLAR as a labour market tool to help workers in transition in organizations affected by an economic downturn.
The Centre for Education and Work is a not-for-profit educational organization affiliated with the University of Winnipeg with the mandate to research, design and develop initiatives that promote the return to, and connection of, the adult learner to the educational system; to research, design and develop initiatives to increase the linkages between the workplace and a post-secondary education; and to facilitate the development of adult learner-friendly and learner-focused institutions.
Under the Workplace Skills Strategy, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is supporting PLAR activities that will build learning recognition into the Government of Canada's practices and programs; build awareness, knowledge, and tools to assess individuals' learning; and promote the recognition of workplace learning.
PLAR plays a key role in developing a culture of lifelong learning in Canada and in helping individuals secure improved and meaningful employment opportunities. It can motivate adults to gain additional skills and can remove significant barriers to full participation and mobility in the labour market for many Canadians.
The Workplace Skills Strategy will build upon current Government programs and activities including recognizing non-formal and informal learning through PLAR; sector council initiatives; apprenticeship programs; essential skills and workplace literacy initiatives; and foreign credential recognition and labour mobility.
The Government of Canada is committed to creating a culture of lifelong learning and to ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to achieve their skills development and learning goals throughout their lives.
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