Thousands Expected to Benefit from Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Programme

Thousands of Jamaicans who do not have formal certification are to benefit from a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) programme being rolled out by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the disclosure while remotely addressing Wednesday’s (June 19) post-Cabinet press briefing, which was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

An internationally recognised system, PLAR refers to the knowledge, skills and attitudes that persons have acquired over time through direct involvement in a skill or an occupational area.

It allows for the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of persons’ prior learning experiences.

Minister Williams, in explaining the initiative, gave the example of someone who has been providing care for elderly persons in their homes consistently for 10 years, and over that time has gained useful experience in elderly care.

“But the issue is that after 10 years of working in this field, despite the very real experience, you have no certification. This programme would allow your 10 years of experience to be assessed and recognition or credits would be given, and you would know where on our national qualification framework your experience ranks,” she said.

Minister Williams said the PLAR programme will also be applicable to thousands of young people who may have acquired very good experience in various areas of work and have no certification.

She said they will gain recognition or credits for the skills and knowledge they already possess, enhancing their educational and career opportunities.

“The good news is you don’t have to start over. Your years of experience can be recognised under this programme and mapped into Jamaica’s national qualification framework, which, itself, is mapped to the national qualification framework in countries such as the United States,” she noted.

The Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (J-TEC) will ensure compliance with standards and give guidance to employers as they undertake assessments against the national qualification system.

“There are many in Jamaica for whom this is applicable and we want them to get on with their journey,” the Minister said.