- We recommend the formation of a federation of all guidance and counselling
associations.
Prior learning assessment
- We recommend that prior learning assessment be established in the formal education
system to recognize and provide credit for learning that takes place outside the formal
system, but results in the acquisition of valuable knowledge and skills.
- We recommend that education authorities and occupational and professional
associations coordinate their efforts and establish national, standard methods of
assessing credentials earned in other jurisdictions (other provinces/territories and
other countries). This will prevent duplication; ensure that equivalencies awarded by
one labour market partner will be acknowledged by all others, and promote mobility.
The Quebec model for assessment of credentials should be closely examined as a
possible model for other jurisdictions.
- We recommend that federal and provincial/territorial governments, in collaboration
with community groups, establish integrated services addressing the unique, ongoing
learning needs of adults. Innovative models must be developed, including
counselling, prior learning and employability skills assessment, orientation to
training, and flexible learning schedules and approaches.
- We recommend that all labour market partners legitimize a "skills portfolio" approach
to help Canadians progress in their careers. This approach provides formal
recognition of the knowledge and skills accumulated through past learning and work
experience, determined by prior learning assessment.
- In light of the number of concurrent prior learning assessment initiatives across the
country, we recommend that the CLFDB convene a national conference to share
information about current developments, review gaps, and design orientations for the
future in a coherent and coordinated way.