APL in processing industry:

focus on assessments

Sanne van Rijswijk, VAPRO-OVP

Half full or half empty?

Program

• Introduction on VAPRO-OVP

• Competencies according to VAPRO-OVP

• APL in the processing industry

• Example

Introduction on VAPRO-OVP

• VAPRO Foundation: National Institute for Vocational Training in the Processing Industries and Laboratories.

• OVP Foundation: Training Fund.

• VAPRO-OVP Ltd.: HRD Consultancy and Learning Resources.

VAPRO-OVP group

Vocational education: 2 routes

BBLBOL

Combined work and learning

Level 1 to 5

70% on the job

6-8 hours a week at school

School-based Work-based

Learning at school (ROC)

Level 1 to 5

25% practical

2 placements for 6 months

Vocational education: 5 levels

Level 1: assistant operator

Level 3: senior operator

Level 4: all-round operator

Level 2: operator

Level 5: associate degree

Main Tasks VAPRO-OVP (1)

VAPRO foundation

• Developing transparent qualification structures and training programs for (future) employees, based on competencies

• Nation wide assessment and certification

OVP foundation

• Training Fund for Continuous Training of workers

• Agency for ESF and for the Ministry of Social Affairs

Main Tasks VAPRO-OVP (2)

VAPRO-OVP ltd • Consultancy in the field of HRD in companies

• Developing curricular and educational materials

• Developing training-on-the-job systems

• International projects: Projects in EU-countries, office in Belgium, customized training for companies abroad

Processing Industries

• Chemical industries

• Pharmaceutical industries

• Plastic and rubber industries

• Paper industries

• Glass- and ceramics industries

• Food industries

Key Facts and Figures

• 110 employees (technical and educational specialists)

• 700 processing companies; 750 labs

• 15000 students: 9000 adults; 6000 youngsters

• 65 schools: 30 public, 35 private

• Turn over: 14 million Euro (25% Min. Ed.)

Competencies according to VAPRO-OVP

Competencies

Knowledge

Behavioral skills

Working attitude based on:

Self image

Conventions and views

Personal characteristics

Motives

Professional competency profile• Competencies: professional competency

indicators

• The processing operator demonstrates that he is able to operate the processing machinery.

• Criteria for success:– Operates the machinery according to the

operating procedures.– Takes samples to monitor quality– Communicates results of samples with quality

department

Competency-based examination

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Starting points• employability of employees;• different learning-experiences

can lead to qualifications.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Goal • to prevent an operator from learning things

he already knows

Target group operators:• Possible students for work based route• Working in the processing industry for at

least 5 years • In the company for at least 2 years

Examination vs. APL

• What are the main differences?

Examination vs. APLRegular exam

10

0

Starting point is 10

With every mistake you deduct some points

Sample of the study material, representative for the total

There’s only success or failure

Examination vs. APLAPL

10

0

Starting point is 0

With every good answer you add up some points

No sample, assess every subject

There’s (almost) always success

APL procedure (1) quick scan

(2) Written evidence: Learning experienceJobexperienceOther experiences

(3) Jobexperience (internal assessment)- interviews- observations

(4) External assessment

PORTFOLIO

(5) Appraisal and (6) advise

Quick scan

• Determine feasibility of the APL procedure.

• Inform candidates about the APL-procedure.

(1) quick scan

Written evidence

Experience from:-Learning-Working-other

Work experience

Company internal assessment

(4) External assessment

PORTFOLIO

Appraisal and advise

Portfolio

• Personal data

• Learning experience

• Work experience

• Other experience

(1) quick scan

Written evidence

Experience on-Learning- working- other

Work experience

Companu internal assessment

(4) External assessment

PORTFOLIO

Appraisal and advise

Company internal assessment

• At the workplace

• Work experience– Interviews– Observations

• Two assessors

(1) quick scan

Written evidence

Experience on-Learning- working - other

Work experience

CompanyInternal assessment

(4) External assessment

PORTFOLIO

Appraisal and advise

External assessment

• Transfer• Maintenance• Safety, health and

environment• Professional knowledge• Process analyzing

(1) quick scan

Written experience on

-Learning- working- other

Work experience

CompanyInternalassessment

(4) External assessment

PORTFOLIO

Appraisal and advise

Appraisal and advise (1) quick scan

(2) Written evidence: Learning experienceJobexperienceOther experiences

(3) Jobexperience (internal assessment)- interviews- observations

(4) External assessment

PORTFOLIO

(5) Appraisal and (6) advise

• Based on portfolio, company internal assessment and external assessment

• Professional competency profile

• Translated into advise

Example

Example APL candidate

• Male• 45 years• 20 years experience processing industry

(paper industry)• reorganization• since 3 years working at company (food

industry)• need for education because of regulation

Example APL candidate

• APL performed in September 2005• Quick scan resulted in APL on level 3• Results

– Portfolio: hobby is repairing cars -> very good at maintenance

– Company internal assessment: he has almost all the practical components of competencies

– External assessment: he lacks knowledge of process analyzing and quality control

Example APL candidate

• Advise – Process analyzing, quality control – Regular examination

• Recognition of experience and informal learning

• Motivation enlarged• Education time reduced by 70%

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VAPRO-OVP GROUP

www.vapro-ovp.comOvergoo 1NL-2266 JZ LeidschendamThe Netherlands