Occupational standards
In a society where credentials are so important, a system of PLA allows people with experience to obtain official recognition for the knowledge and skills they have acquired. This is particularly important for workers who have been laid off and are looking for new job opportunities. Many have extensive knowledge and skills, gained from years of work related experience, but no credentials to prove it. The development of a national system of occupational standards could facilitate the PLA process by stipulating the competencies required to perform tasks associated with an occupation.
Coordination
If PLA is to function efficiently, it must be coordinated in such a way that links are forged among the components of the system (e.g., high schools, on-the-job training, colleges, universities), between the larger systems (e.g., education and the labour market), and between jurisdictions. A well-articulated PLA system could serve Canada well by speeding up the creation and maintenance of a highly skilled labour force.
Statement of belief
We support the development of a functioning, integrated system of PLA. Such a system must be supported by all stakeholders across Canada, so that the decisions made in one jurisdiction will be recognized and accepted throughout the country.
Various systems of PLA are being developed or implemented in Canada. Unfortunately, efforts in this growing area are not adequately coordinated. Therefore, it is timely to urge that greater coordination of efforts and homogeneity of outcomes become a priority.