Credentials as a building block to recognize prior

Transcript:Credentials as a building block to recognize prior:
Credentials as a building block to recognize prior learning for entry to higher education Laura Widger Sergio Botelho Junior South East Technological University, Ireland Meg Benke Empire State University, USA and Visiting SETU Larger Context of RPL in Ireland; Contextualized in Focus on Individualized RPL Cohort-based RPL is an emergent focus of policy making Better tracking of cohort-based RPL could be in place for benchmarking, research and promotion of impact Examples of cohort enterprises partnerships in higher education in Ireland SETU – Army partnership: the project facilitated employees, especially cadets, lacking formal education to attain Level 5 qualifications. Upon recognition, participants could progress to a NFQ Level 6 leadership course, enhancing their educational opportunities. SETU – CILT bridging programme: Certification pathway jointly developed by CILT and SETU, enabling a cohort of learners to bridge from level 6 Higher Certificate in Sustainable Supply Chains to a Level 8 Higher Diploma in Business in Supply Chain Management or a Level 8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Supply Chain Management. Examples of cohort enterprises partnerships in higher education in Ireland UCC – RPL Project: Initiated in 2016, a collaborative effort from ACE (Adult Continuing Education, UCC) facilitated farmers from West Cork to achieve exemptions on 40 credits of the Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy (NFQ Level 7). A strategic plan spanning three academic cycles was devised to optimise the RPL entry route and enable blended learning for subsequent farmer cohorts. To date, three cohorts have successfully completed the Diploma. Boston Scientific – MTU Partnership: Strategic collaboration to upskill and reskill employees for career advancement. Leveraging MTU's training programs, employees build on existing knowledge and role-based experiences, accelerating talent development. RPL serves as a catalyst for quickly building qualified talent, delivering a clear return on investment for both organizations and individuals. Benefits include increased confidence, improved skills, enhanced career prospects, and higher earning potential. Examples of cohort enterprises partnerships in higher education in Ireland Tirlán Ireland – UCC Partnership: Collaborating to establish Ireland’s first Sustainable Farming Academy. Through UCC’s Adult Continuing Education unit, Tirlán Ireland and Baileys Irish Cream support farm families in advancing environmental practices. The diploma programme empowers farmers to address sustainability challenges, with flexible part-time learning and continuous assessment. By accrediting and enhancing existing farming knowledge, the initiative promotes confidence and peer learning among participants. ETB/FET Tutor Collaboration: FET tutors from the Education and Training Board in Waterford, with