Denyce Diakun

1. Experienced Workers
Denyce Diakun, M.Ed

2. Recognition of Prior Learning
Algonquin has a commitment to embracing
an increasingly diverse student population
and reducing barriers to college education
A key pillar in this foundation is recognizing
learner’s prior experiential learning
Algonquin assigned personnel to champion
the RPL PROCESS

3. What we know
RPL motivates people to return to
formal education and training
RPL improves learner confidence,
self esteem and motivation to learn

4. What we know
The levels of participation in RPL are not as
great as one would have anticipated
People seeking higher levels of qualifications
participate in RPL as opposed to people who
have faced barriers in their formal education

5. Providing service for:
newcomers just arriving
those out of work for the first time in a long
time
young adults out of work
those in mid-life malaise
 those wishing to re-enter the workforce

6. Intake and Referral System
Established an enhanced, client-centric intake referral
process
Provide single point of contact and follow-up for
candidates
Gather information prior to enrolment
Provide support in identifying goals and utilizing existing
College services to enable the client to achieve them
Maintain liaison with client to build longer term
relationship and retention support

7. The Approach:
Self Understanding; interests, abilities, work
values, and personality characteristics
Empowerment; to overcome any personal
sense of powerlessness
Understanding the environment (Who needs
people like you?)
Aristotle said “Where your talents and the world’s needs
meet – there lies your vocation.”

8. The Approach;
Understand the role of RPL in their career
development
Develop benchmarks that allow the candidate
to succeed
Assessment processes are valid for what is
being assessed and fair for who is being
assessed

9. Assessment Process
Assessment processes are valid for what is
being assessed and fair for who is being
assessed
Encouraged to recognize their strengths and
capitalize on transferable skills

10. Future Direction
Get unstuck
Realize untapped potential
Increase the chances of getting a new position
that aligns with strengths and values
Provide tools for managing and developing
oneself
Provide a fresh approach essential for
navigating the rest of one’s life

11. Essential Skills for Today’s
Economy
Career development is the responsibility of
the individual
Need to develop and manage oneself on a
continual basis
Learning is continual and formal

12. Future Directions
"Knowledge workers are likely to outlive their
employing organization. Their average
working life is likely to be fifty years.” Drucker