NEWS
7
PIRB tackling ARPL for
the plumbing sector
ARPL or Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning is the
process through which individuals, who are already
working in the industry, are able to access the
qualification or trade test based on their previous
experience and knowledge.
The Section 28 trade test (named after the
relevant section in the Manpower Training
Act), is the current way of recognising the
prior learning and experience of a person
who has been working for some years in a
particular trade, but has not passed a trade
test – and is therefore not recognised as a
qualified artisan. This process is changing
with the introduction of the ARPL Toolkit.
ARPL falls under Section 26D of the Skills
Development Act. Trade Test regulations were
gazetted in 2015 to clarify the Trade Test
process. These regulations make provision
for an ARPL toolkit and also include the
current transitional arrangements, or what
is commonly known as the ‘Section 28’ RPL
process, where RPL candidates can apply
directly for a Trade Test.
The new guidelines for the ARPL process
will change the current approach for what
are commonly ‘Section 28’ RPL candidates,
as applicants will no longer be able to apply
directly for the Trade Test, but instead,
will have to follow the guidelines in the
ARPL Toolkit.
The Toolkit is aligned to the QCTO’s
Occupational Certificate, and candidates will
be required to meet the outcomes of the
qualification. The RPL Toolkit for plumbing has
been developed and it is anticipated that it will
be implemented in the second half of 2019.
The APRL process will require candidates to
compile evidence of their previous experience
and knowledge in a portfolio format.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
By Benjamin Brits
Applicants will no longer be able to apply
directly for the Trade Test.
This evidence could include any previous
training completed, as well as evidence of on-
the-job experience. Details of the exact process
and requirements will be made available once
the ARPL Toolkit has been finalised.
The Plumbing Industry Registration Board
(PIRB), has identified the need for RPL in the
industry and has begun putting together a
strategy to assist candidates in navigating
the RPL process in partnership with training
providers and industry.
The PIRB is focusing on RPL against the
professional designation, but is also committed
to promoting the APRL process against
a plumbing occupational certificate. The
occupational certificate for the plumbing
sector is the qualification based on the Quality
Council For Trades & Occupations (QCTO)
assessment and qualification criteria.
As progress is made by the PIRB in this
regard, further communications will be made
available. For any interim queries, please
contact the PIRB. PA
July 2019 Volume 25 I Number 5