National RPL Conference: Bridging and expanding existing islands of excellent practice

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) hosted a National Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Conference: Bridging and expanding existing islands of excellent practice at the Kopanong Conference Centre in Benoni 23rd to 25th February 2011 as part of a national strategy towards developing a fully-fledged RPL system in the country. This strategy includes firstly, refining and facilitating implementation of national RPL policy, in collaboration with the Quality Councils and taking into account contributions such as those made at this conference. It comprises, secondly, conducting and coordinating RPL-related research across the country. It encompasses, thirdly, networking opportunities such as this conference and its Preparatory Workshop which was held in October 2010, and encouraging and supporting the development of other related networks and networking devices. The strategy includes fourthly, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Career Advice Helpline – a helpline currently based at SAQA House but soon to have nodes at a variety of institutions throughout the country. The strategy also includes the establishment of a task team and reference group to drive the process.