New Assessment and Recognition Tool Translates Experience into Academic Credit
September 23, 2008, Victoria, B.C. – The Canadian Centre for Environmental Education is launching a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) tool that will provide certificate students with academic credit for relevant environmental experience they have already obtained.
The PLAR process is open to any student registered in the Certificate in Environmental Practice in Canada or abroad. Using this process, academic credit is awarded for skills and knowledge gained through work experience, job training, short courses, seminars, workshops, and other forms of relevant experience. To be considered, the competencies must be related to the requirements of the concentration chosen by the student.
“Many students who are newcomers or potential immigrants have gained valuable and relevant experience in their concentration from abroad and are registered in the program to ‘Canadianize’ their credentials,” says Grant Trump, President and CEO of ECO Canada. “PLAR benefits these individuals by allowing them to fast-track through the program and concentrate on topics that can supplement their current skills.”
The PLAR process is entirely online and is directly linked to the processes required to obtain environmental certification through the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) to become a Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner. The benefit of this partnership is that students who are successful in obtaining academic credit for the Certificate in Environmental Practice may also be eligible to receive a Canadian professional designation through CECAB.
PLAR is a well-developed and tested procedure, with specific requirements for different employment sectors. This process is not new; it is practiced at institutions across Canada and internationally, most notably in Australia, UK and USA. However, the process used by the CCEE is unique because it is specific to the environmental sector.
The certificate program’s concentrations are based on standards set by industry to ensure that training matches the needs of employers. It is delivered via internet, providing flexibility to those working full-time or who have other commitments. Its distance-based format allows potential immigrants to complete the program from abroad and increases their employability once in Canada.
For more information about the services offered by the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education, visit www.ccee.ca or contact the centre at info@ccee.ca.
Background
ECO Canada and Royal Roads University jointly sponsor the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education. The federally funded initiative aims to offer education, training, professional development and accreditation for members of the environmental professions – whose sector is the fastest growing in Canada.
ECO Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that helps to strengthen the Canadian economy by providing a critical link between industry’s need for qualified environmental practitioners and those looking for career and skills development in the environment professions.
Based in Victoria B.C., Royal Roads University is designed to meet the needs of learners and the requirements of the global marketplace by offering a combination of highly focused professional programs and an accessible learning model that specializes in innovative, Internet-based program delivery.
Media Contacts:
Janelle Leonard
Manager, Client Relations, ECO Canada
(403) 233-0748
communications@eco.ca@eco.ca
Phil Saunders
Communications Officer, Royal Roads University
(250) 391-2526, cell (250) 812-5065
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca