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The Use of Workplace Skills-Based Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition: Strategies for Persons with Acquired Physical Disabilities in Employment Transition

January 2009

By Maria Gill, Centre for Education and Work

Canada is experiencing a skills shortage in many occupations. According to the results of a national research study on the effective use of workplace Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) conducted by the Centre for Education and Work (CEW), individuals with identified transferable skills are more likely to find a greater number of new work opportunities across industry sectors when in employment transition than those without such skills. The results of the CEW study demonstrate that people with acquired disabilities tend to have greater difficulties envisioning their transferable skills in new occupational contexts. Many people with acquired disabilities tend to focus on what they used to be able to do in the workplace rather than placing a redefined emphasis on what they can continue to do in the future. Because of their disabilities, they often do not feel confident to take on new areas of work or occupational development.

Executive Summary (PDF 333 KB) Full Report (PDF 588 KB)

This Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) -funded project focused on the use of a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) strategy, specifically, the development of a portfolio, to help individuals with acquired disabilities to address workforce reintegration issues. Issues faced by persons with acquired disabilities re-entering the workforce include loss, re-thinking career hopes and plans, and developing new or different goals and outcomes. The PLAR process of portfolio development has been demonstrated to help individuals prepare themselves for re-entry into the workforce by identifying alternative or untapped strengths for transferability to the workplace.

The purpose of this study was to identify the ways in which the PLAR process can assist persons with disabilities to redefine their workplace strengths in order to attain new and satisfying employment. According to the International Labour Organization, persons with disabilities tend to experience higher unemployment and have lower earnings than persons without disabilities, or they are often under
employed.

 

Canada is experiencing a skills shortage in many occupations. According to the results of a national research study on the effective use of workplace Prior Learning

Il y a au Canada une pénurie de compétences dans plusieurs domaines d’emploi. Suivant les résultats d’une étude nationale de recherche sur l’utilisation