Using RPL and fast-tracking to shave time off your course
Everybody dreams of finishing their study faster than the allocated time-frame. People want to be able to move on from education and start pursuing their dream career path as soon as they can. A quality learning provider like the College for Adult Learning understands that courses need to fit around the lifestyle and commitments of their students, and not necessarily the other way around. They are committed to providing the opportunity for people to complete their study when it suits them, and from their own homes.
What this means is that if you are a busy person who needs to fit their study in around work, meals, family, and other activities, you will be able to do that easier by using RPL credits. The College for Adult Learning prioritises being as flexible as possible for their students.
How can I fast track my learning?
What about students who want a shorter time frame than what is listed for their course? It is no secret that some students are more determined to fast-track their education and complete their studies as fast as they can.
The flexibility provided by the College for Adult Learning will pair with your determination and commitment is a guaranteed way to help you fast-track your study and complete it in significantly less time than it would otherwise take. If you are willing to apply yourself and your current knowledge, then the results will pay dividends towards completing your diploma.
If you are the opposite, or at any time feel that you need to spend longer on your course, there is a 90 day no-cost deferral period that allows you to determine if that is the right thing for you to do.
Key Tip: Course flexibility is key to adult learning. Don’t limit yourself to an inflexible qualification and study schedule.
What about my prior experience?
Some students may have studied previously; in these cases, it is possible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You can get acknowledgment for any skills and knowledge that you have earned outside of the education and training system. What this means is that you can have prior work and life experiences measured against the units you plan to study. From there, if it can be determined that you have a proficient level of knowledge you may be able to get the Unit classified as complete.
Key Tip: Your prior experience might shorten your course
Experience should benefit you not cost you
What sets the College for Adult Learning apart in this circumstance is that it doesn’t cost anything to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. Comparatively, at other educational institutions, the fee for this can be up to $1,500. To submit your RPL application, what you need is:
- your CV
- a brief description of work experience that is relevant to your course
- proof of any previous study
- a completed self-evaluation
Key Tip: Don’t pay for RPL unnecessarily
How to get organised for RPL
You may also be asked to provide evidence of prior work in the form of correspondence, diary notes, completed project documents, budgets, financial reports etc., reports you have written, and more.
Other forms of evidence that you may be asked to provide include position descriptions, performance appraisals, references from previous employers, workplace awards and certificates, etc. It is beneficial to plan and get all of these items organised at hand, where they are easily accessible if you are asked to provide more documentation. The process and required documentation for RPL might seem a like a lot, but you are saving hours of study time and being recognised for knowledge you already have.
Key Tip: Schedule time to gather your evidence
Check what you can claim
The best thing you can do if this is the path you want to take is to speak with the College for Adult Learning about your situation. Their goal is to provide the most flexible and tailored experience for each of their students. Expert learning coaches will help you to determine what the best steps are to help you achieve your goals for further education.
Key Tip: Talk to an expert
Enjoy your study
There are plenty of options when it comes to fast-tracking your learning in a way that will help advance you and your career. You may be extremely committed to your study and are willing to spend both nights and weekends knuckling down and completing your course work in a shorter amount of time. Alternatively, if you have spent time already learning on the job, or have an existing qualification, you may be eligible to fast-track your course through the Recognition of Prior Learning program. There is a world of choice available, and the key is to explore the options that work best for you.
Ultimately, studying with the College for Adult Learning will provide an enjoyable experience that lets you choose your family, your work, and your life, without having to compromise your study. It’s exactly like having your cake and eating it too!