The SCQF Partnership, which is responsible for Scotland’s National Qualifications Framework, has welcomed a commitment by the Scottish Government to establish a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system.
The Partnership has long called for a coherent Scotland-wide approach to recognising previous educational achievements, skills and experience, enabling more people to access shorter routes into further learning and employment.
The commitment was one of many aimed at addressing Scotland’s skills gaps in the Scottish Government’s recently published Programme for Government. The SCQF Partnership will support the Scottish Government to deliver on their pledge.
Recognition of Prior Learning
A national RPL system will allow individuals to have their skills, knowledge and experience – gained through work, volunteering, or non-formal learning – formally recognised, enabling faster reskilling, easier progression, and greater workforce mobility.
This commitment comes at a time when businesses across Scotland are facing skills shortages in key industries, including health and social care, construction, and engineering.
Unlocking economic potential
Pauline Radcliffe, Chief Executive of the SCQF Partnership, said: “Recognition of Prior Learning has the power to unlock economic potential – not just for individuals, but for Scotland as a whole. By recognising skills wherever they are gained, we can support career progression, reduce duplication of learning, and help employers fill roles more efficiently.
“The Programme for Government’s commitment signals a shared ambition to build a more agile and inclusive skills system – one that reflects the realities of modern work and learning.”
John Evans, chair of the SCQF Partnership, added: “Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way in skills recognition and workforce planning. A national RPL system will ensure that the SCQF remains a key tool in supporting economic growth, closing skills gaps, and valuing the breadth of learning that takes place beyond the classroom.”
The SCQF Partnership will work closely with employers, education providers, awarding bodies and learners to develop a robust and flexible system that delivers for both the economy and the individual.
Useful links
For more information on RPL, visit our dedicated Hub at https://scqf.verticaldev.org/rpl-hub/