Navigating the RPL Journey: Engaging with Employers event takes place at Technological University Dublin

'Navigating the RPL Journey: Engaging with Employers', an event organised by the National Recognition of Prior Learning and TU Dublin Enterprise Academy, will take place on Tuesday 16 January at Technological University Dublin and will serve as a vibrant forum for RPL leaders and practitioners to discuss the role of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in bridging the gap between higher education and the workforce, addressing skill shortages, and advancing talent development. 

Rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands can create significant skills gaps and adversely affect a talent pipeline. Learning happens everywhere, especially on the job or in the workplace. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) provides a means to formally recognise, and credit skills and knowledge gained through work, study, and life experience.  

RPL can be transformative for individuals who may not have engaged significantly in education, but who have gained valuable knowledge, skills and competences throughout their work and life experiences. For enterprise, recognition of prior learning provides pathways for staff and career development.   

Many in higher education realise the great benefits of RPL to employers and employees but may not know how best to engage with enterprise on this matter and what the possibilities might be, what issues they should be aware of, and what if any restrictions or barriers might exist. 

Collaborative HCI Pillar 3 Projects 

The National RPL in Higher Education Project and TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy are both HCI Pillar 3 projects funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Science and Innovation and are at the forefront of addressing priority skills needs and workforce development through innovative educational collaborations. 

“Validation of prior learning drives personal growth while democratising access to both education, workforce participation and professional development. The event marries empirical and theoretically based contributions demonstrating how a widening portfolio of approaches to Recognition of Prior Learning benefits individuals and society by ensuring that diverse types of learning are duly acknowledged and celebrated.” said Dr. Claire  
Mc Bride, Head of TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy, who opens the day’s event. 

Grace Edge, Director of the National Recognition of Prior Learning Project, shares the vision behind this initiative: “Our aspiration for this event is to foster greater awareness and understanding of RPL among higher education professionals, encouraging its inclusion in the ‘menu of options’ when engaging with employers”. 

Collaborative RPL Case studies

The event will feature a showcase of the innovative partnership between Screen Ireland and TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy, a prime example of successful collaboration addressing skills needs through Work-Based Learning and RPL. 

Hugh McAtamney, Senior Engagement Manager in Creative and Cultural Sectors at TU Dublin Enterprise Academy emphasises the broader impact: “RPL enables enterprises, in partnership with academia, to translate real-world expertise into accredited certification, fostering the development of the talent pipeline and opening doors to further education and lifelong learning opportunities”.  

National and International speakers

Global perspectives will be provided by keynote speaker Dr. Balzhan Orazbayeva of the University Industry Innovation Network and Susan Forseille from Thompson Rivers University, Canada. Additionally, Claire McGee from Ibec will address RPL's alignment with employer needs and industry trends.