One Assessor's Perspective

The role of the assessor in the Capable Assessment of Prior learning Process is the identification of the requirements of a qualification within a presentation of holistic experiential learning, and it is remarkable how the skills and attributes present themselves to the attentive listener and reviewer.

At the heart of this process is the candidate’s task to reflect on, and unpack their experience. As a long term educator and previous manager with postgraduate degrees in both commerce and career management I am listening and examining within those areas of expertise. As a careers specialist, what makes this process doubly attractive is the synchronicity with key attributes of 21^st century career understandings:

• That learning takes place in mixed forms-any time, any place
• That 21^st century learning and careers are self directed and self managed
• That learning is transformational , and an intensive process changes a life
• That the capacity to identify and name our skills, and to be totally up to date with what we have to offer is a major contributor to career confidence, which in turn enhances career resilience.

Career confident people know exactly what they have to offer because they identify what they are learning as they learn it, and they are able to recognise when they are increasing their skills levels. They are then better able to describe and present themselves accurately when they need to.  A candidate who has successfully completed the APL process emerges not only with their desired credential but fully  '21^st century ready' in their self directed career skills.

Dr Heather Carpenter is a lecturer in career practice within the Bachelor of Social Services degree at Otago Polytechnic. She holds a postgraduate degree in Counselling, a masters degree in Commerce (Management and Employment Relations) and her PhD study was in Career Management. Heather works as a careers consultant, counsellor and writer. Her recent book is ‘Your 21^st century career – new paths to personal success’ and she is also the author of 'The Career Maze –Guiding your children towards a successful future.' Her company is Careerworks Hawke’s Bay, and her website is www.thecareermaze.com.