In February, I thought that I might have lost my whole business. I partner with two other Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) to issue qualifications for me. Becoming an RTO is far too much work, and would take me away from providing the service that I want to. I’m more than happy to pay a fee to another RTO so that I don’t have to worry about it. Unfortunately, one of my RTO partners decided not to partner with me anymore, and gave me zero notice.

I was sending an email with the qualifications and units of a client who had just paid in full, for the certificates to be issued. Once I hit send, I received an email at the same time saying that they wouldn’t help me anymore, literally at the same time. Over the phone, they explained that they had just been audited, and would not do RPL at all anymore because it was too difficult.

During the phone call, I said that I would just have to find another RTO partner. But once I hung up, I realised that might be impossible. I was told that the rules of assessing RPL had changed, making it extremely difficult. Without a partner to issue qualifications, I don’t have a business. And they wouldn’t issue qualifications for the clients who were in progress.

In hindsight, I have discovered that my previous RTO partner had over reacted, and it is of course completely possible to assess RPL. It just takes me a bit longer to fill out the paperwork now. At the time though, I thought that all I had worked for, for almost two years, was lost. I would have to refund the client who had just paid, along with others on payment plans. I didn’t have the cash. My business had been just starting to do well, and I had high hopes for helping more people in future. I thought it was over, time to go out and get a job.

So I dropped the ball for a couple of days. I cried, and stayed in bed. I mourned. Then a colleague told me that it might still be OK, and that his RTO audit had been fine. Maybe I could still assess RPL, but I needed another partner that I could work with.

I emailed the RTO that I completed my Certificate IV Training and Assessment through a few years ago, and it looked promising. I had over reacted too, all wasn’t lost. It took a few weeks to get organised, but I was able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. My new RTO partner did issue the qualifications I had already assessed as competent, much to everyone’s relief.

Now, after a turbulent couple of months, everything is back to normal. I again have high hopes of helping more people. But I have learned to be more thorough in my risk analysis. I had not considered this a risk at all, but I’m now more aware. I lost focus and direction, but now have it back. Being in business is always an emotional roller coaster, but especially recently.

Thanks for sticking with me!

Heidi

RPL can be really easy. I’m always telling people how easy it is. In the ideal scenario, it is easy. The perfect candidate for RPL is someone who regularly undertakes the tasks required for the relevant qualification and units, has relevant skills and knowledge, and is able to provide evidence of their experience in the form of samples of their work. In this situation, I find out what you do, and look for where I can match that with a qualification (while following the packaging rules of that qualification). I write out a list of documents for you to provide, that you already have. You give them to me. I assess your evidence according the performance criteria for each unit in each qualification, and complete the required paperwork. Once you have been assessed as competent and paid, you will receive a qualification.

In this situation, all you have to do is provide the samples of your work as discussed. The only time required is finding the documents if you don’t know where they are. That’s literally all you have to do, which is very easy! However, it’s only easy because you have already done the work, and I do my best to make it easy for you. Why make something harder than it has to be?

People often tell me that the RPL process seems too easy. Sometimes they are suspicious of this, or don’t really value the process because it’s so easy. Instead, consider that I asked you provide a procedure you had written. If you have it, of course it’s easy to attach it to an email. But how long did it take you write that procedure? What kind of background knowledge did you use to develop it? How did you gain that knowledge? How hard was it to gain? If you don’t write procedures, I won’t ask you to, because that would be hard. Instead, I’ll choose another unit for you where you do have the evidence.

In another example, your evidence might include meeting minutes. Again, it won’t take long to go to your folder of meeting minutes, and select three or four to submit. But how many hours have you spent in meetings? How long did it take you to accurately write the minutes? How did you know how to do it? How long did it take to learn? If you didn’t already know how to write minutes, and have them written, it would take you a long time to prepare. If you don’t take minutes, we won’t choose a unit that required them. This is why the easiest qualifications to assess are the Certificate IV in Business, Diploma of Business and Diploma of Management. There are many electives to choose from, so it makes sense to choose the easiest ones.

Conversely, it really isn’t always that easy. I recently had a client who asked for a Diploma of Management. Unfortunately, her experience didn’t meet the requirements for that particular qualification, so I offered her a Certificate IV in Business instead (which she did meet the requirements for).

Occasionally, someone might look like they meet their requirements from their resume or a discussion, as in “I manage staff”, or “I do all the marketing”. However, there are extensive criteria for each unit that you must meet to be assessed as competent. Here’s an example, just part of what is required for the Diploma level unit ‘Ensure a safe workplace’:

detailed knowledge and application of all relevant WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice, establishing and maintaining arrangements for managing WHS within the organisation’s business systems and practices, identifying requirements for expert WHS advice

To assess this unit (which I don’t very often, because it’s quite specialised and few people do it), I ask if you have personally developed WHS procedures. In reviewing those procedures, this is what I’m looking for. If the requirements are met, you’ll be assessed as competent – easy! If not, we can do gap training (hard), ask you to write new procedures (hard), or choose another unit (easy).

Yes, wherever possible I will choose the option that is easiest for both you and me. I have completed hundreds of RPL assessment over almost four years, so I know what’s easiest. But, like anything, it’s only easy if you know how.

1. Find out what you want to do

This is hard. You probably know what you don’t want to do, but do you want to do? A good start is by looking at what aspects of your current career you like the best. Is it dealing with customers? Managing staff? Computer work? The My Future website also has resources to help you figure it out. Change is easier when you’re already experienced in an aspect of your chosen career. The next step is to make sure that your future employer knows how your experience can help them.

2. Tailor your resume

You should never use a standard resume, but tailor it for each position you are applying for. If the job you want involves customer service, explain your customer service experience in way that the reader will understand. Avoid industry terminology and jargon, but talk about relevant skills and knowledge that will transfer across industries. You want to look perfect for that exact job, so put in the effort.

3. Update your qualifications

Employers understand qualifications. They might not know exactly what was involved in your role as a Line Supervisor, but they do know what a Certificate IV in Frontline Management is. Recent education also demonstrates that you are motivated, are able to learn new things, and committed to self-development – this is exactly what an employer is looking for! Use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to translate your experience into a qualification quickly and easily. Mirror Professional Development are experts in RPL for business and management qualifications.

4. Know where to look

Some jobs are advertised in newspapers or online, but many aren’t. Make sure your friends and family know that you are looking for a new career, because they might just know someone who can help you. Join local networking groups to meet new people. If the industry you hope to join has its own association, definitely do what you can to become involved. Be proactive, and approach organisations you would like to work for. Employers don’t actually like advertising positions, because it is a lot of work for them. It’s much easier if they already have candidates available, so make sure they know you.

 To receive a free RPL assessment and kick-start your career change, contact us, call Heidi on 0405 109 756 or email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au to arrange an appointment today.

Get qualified in no time with RPL

I’m very excited to have a brand new ad in the current issue of Business Matters Magazine! Unfortunately, in my excitement, I made a mistake. We currently have a special offer of a $100 Coles Myer voucher to anyone who books and pays before 30 November (oops, not 30 Oct that I accidentally put in the ad).

In case you haven’t seen it yet, the magazine says this: “Director of Mirror Professional Development Heidi Gorell-Hay’s claim to fame is that she helps people change or advance their career with no study necessary. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is proving to be extremely popular and many are surprised at the level of skill they already have.”

Don’t have time? My method of assessing RPL is extremely quick and easy. The assessment takes about an hour, and qualifications are usually ready in about 10 days. If you think a Diploma of Business or Management might help you, book this month for your free $100 voucher.

Not for you? No worries. If you know someone else who might benefit, just pass their email address onto me, and I’ll send them some information. If they book and pay this month, you’ll both receive a $100 voucher to thank you for your referral.

Book and pay during November: $100 voucher

Refer someone else: $100 voucher per referral that books and pays during November

Don’t wait! Call Heidi on 0405 109 756, email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au or contact us

LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool for millions of business people around the world. It’s easier than ever to connect to people you otherwise wouldn’t be able to connect with. However, when someone is deciding whether or not to connect with you, they only have one thing to go on – your profile. Unless they know you personally, it’s your profile that will bring in connections or drive the away. So, how to make it work for you?

1.       Use a professional photo

What image do you want to project?  Your profile photo is the first point others will see, and will form the basis of their opinion of you. It isn’t the same as your Facebook photo. It’s a great idea to get a professional corporate photo, but at least it must be high quality and fit with your image. If you’re using LinkedIn to set up real life meetings, make sure that you will be recognised from your photo.

2.       Write an attention grabbing headline

Your name, photo and headline make up your profile summary. Until someone else clicks on your profile, this is all they will see, so it needs to catch their attention. Titles like Owner, Director, Manager, Coordinator etc. are too vague. Your headline needs to say what you actually do. How will others find you?

3.       Make your summary work for you

There is a huge variation in what people actually include in their summary, or if they even include one at all (LinkedIn doesn’t consider your profile complete without a summary though). Think of your profile like a news story: once you have captured their attention with a headline, what else should they know? There are no rules, include your personality!

4.       Include relevant experience

The rule for resumes is to include about the last 10 years’ experience. Older than that is no longer relevant. Conversely, if you only include the last couple of years, it can look like you have something to hide. Also think about what you are using LinkedIn for. Unless you are using it literally as a resume to get a job, you don’t need to include your tasks and duties. Instead, mention what you learned in the role, or major accomplishments. Keep it short and sweet.

5.       Update your education

If you are over the age of 21, don’t include your high school. Firstly, this tells people how old you are. Secondly, it shows a severe lack of commitment to your own professional development. Again, the rule is that education remains current for no longer than 10 years (at the most). If you did a certificate in business in 1994, you need to upgrade it.

Consider recognition of prior learning (RPL) for your qualifications. If you have been doing the job, get recognised for it, and tell others that you’re qualified for what you do. If you’re a business owner or manager, you’re probably eligible for a Diploma of Business and/or Diploma of Management right now, without study. To have “Diploma of Business 2012” looks much better on your profile than just “Brisbane State High School 1983”.

6.       Include all your skills

Don’t be shy, list all the skills you have. Tell people what you can do – how else will they know? The best thing about listing skills is that others can now endorse you just by clicking on it. But you need to include your skills first, or you can’t be endorsed. This gives you increased credibility and visibility. When you endorse others, your profile image will appear on their page, showing that you have endorsed them for that skill.

7.       Ask for recommendations

Recommendations are even better skills endorsements. This is public testimonial of your work. You may find generous people who take it upon themselves to write a recommendation, or you may need to ask for it. Just click on the profile tab at the top of the page, then recommendations. Make sure you recommend others too!

8.       Include all your contact details

How do you want people to contact you? Make sure you include your phone number, email, website, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Presumably, you are on LinkedIn to connect with people, so make it easy.

Mirror Professional Development are RPL specialists. We can help update your education quickly and easily. To find out more, phone 0405 109 756 or email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au. Check out Heidi Gorell-Hay’s LinkedIn profile here.

There are a few registered training organisations (RTO’s) around that offer recognition of prior learning for their qualifications. There are fewer that specialise in recognition of prior learning (RPL).

I often meet trainers who don’t know how to assess RPL, or work for RTO’s that use a long and complicated process. In this case, the training organisation is likely to promote training over RPL because that is what is easiest for them. Some also prefer training to RPL because they believe it’s a better experience for the students.

RPL is a completely legitimate form of assessment. It is actively encouraged by the bodies that govern Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. Unfortunately, RPL seems to have gained a reputation of taking so much work to complete, that it ends up being easier to actually study the course anyway. This isn’t what it was designed for!

The purpose is to formally recognise skills and experience. It is also sometimes called Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). RPL or RCC is essentially an assessment-only form of study. Except that you’re assessment isn’t based on hypothetical situation, or creating something new. The assessment is what you actually did last week or last month, in your real job.

Whichever RTO your working with, here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the best experience.

RPL Tips

Make sure you are actually receiving the qualification. I’ve heard of experienced trainers who have been caught out by this. Some providers aren’t RTO’s, and only put together evidence for you to submit to an RTO yourself. This is the same as paying someone to do your shopping for you, but you still have to pay the shop for your purchases. Make sure you know what you’re getting.

Don’t pay anything until you are sure you will be assessed as competent. If you are required to enrol before having your work assessed, that means that you need to pay first. What will you do if you have already paid, then find out that your won’t be given RPL? Gap training will be offered to you instead – is that ok with you?

Check that they will tailor the electives to your experience, not their own list of units. If you aren’t competent for the units they assess in, look at other electives. The areas that we assess in, business and management, have a huge range of electives to choose from. That’s why these qualifications are easy to assess, and perfect for RPL.

It should be quick and easy. I hear so many people say that RPL takes as long as studying – it doesn’t have to. Look at the actual assessment process. Are you required to complete extensive paperwork? Find an RTO that makes it easy, and meets your needs.

We’re different

For starters,  I have assessed hundreds of RPL applications over the last four years for four different RTO’s. I know exactly what to look for, and what is required. I also believe that if whatever you’re doing works, then it’s right for you. If you have a system of managing your time that means you get everything done when you need to, then that’s fine. Who am I to tell you that you should be doing it differently, when it obviously works for you.

With experience, I have been able to develop a quick and easy system to assess RPL. I spend about an hour with my clients to gather evidence, complete all the paperwork myself, and certificates are ready in about 10 days from start to finish. It really shouldn’t take longer than that, or the RTO doesn’t understand what’s required.

We also offer a free, no obligation assessment. If you’re on the Sunshine Coast, we’ll come to you. If you’re further away, we can easily do the assessment over the phone.

Why not book today?

Phone Heidi on 0405 109 756, email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au or contact us.

I have a degree which I have never used. Granted, it is an Arts degree, but in Communication, where I studied PR and Event Management. It has never been the deciding factor in any job I’ve applied for in the 12 years since, nor have I ever worked in PR. I wanted to, and tried really hard, I didn’t have enough experience (my two internships weren’t enough). A year later, I did get an entry-level role in a large tourist attraction with a marketing department I longed to join. In 3.5 years, that also didn’t happen and I moved on.

Now, I’m a business owner. In my work, I often meet people who are the opposite – they have experience, but no qualifications. These are usually other business owners, managers, or administration staff. They learn on the job. They figure out the best way to do their particular job in their particular organisation. They draw on previous experience, coaching or advice from colleagues or clients, and trial and error. And they’re good at what they do.

Unfortunately, these same successful business people often feel that they have ‘nothing to show’ for their years of work. There is also definitely a sense of ‘everyone has a qualification except me’. Some feel embarrassed by this, or avoid the question when asked directly about what qualifications they have. I often witness a lack of confidence in not being qualified, and a feeling of not being ‘good enough’. So I assess their experience by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and award a Diploma of Business and/or Diploma of Management. They can then prove that they are good enough. This may be  just to themselves, or may be to others to seek a promotion or increased credibility.

There is no either/or in the battle of Experience V Qualifications. It’s a combination of both. Yes, you can absolutely find a high number of successful people without qualifications. They are often entrepreneurs and innovators, who didn’t need to prove their worth to anyone else to get a break – they made it for themselves. You can also find a high number of successful people with qualifications, and unsuccessful people with qualifications. Your best chance is to have both together, not one in isolation of the other. Universities and other training organisations that cloister students aren’t giving the best possible learning experience. And those with extensive experience can find it difficult to compete without relevant qualifications.

The best of both worlds is to combine work and study together, so that it’s relevant and practical. Hypothetical scenarios achieve very little, but real, practical experience is the best kind of learning.

The best kind of assessment is to assess real skills and knowledge by RPL. Book now for a free assessment to find out what qualification you’re already eligible for.

Ph Heidi on 0405 109 756, or email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au

Sue has managed a number of staff for many years. She had policies and procedures in place, runs reports, and updates several databases of information. After chatting for a couple of minutes, I was able to tell Sue that she was already competent in the Diploma of Management, right now, without studying anything. For the rest of the hour, I asked her about the specifics of her job, and she printed me out the relevant documents. After that, I took away her evidence, completed the paperwork, and she received her Diploma the following week. Sue was thrilled. Instead of studying for 12 months, she was finished in just an hour. How?

Recognition of Prior Learning

Australia’s nationally recognised qualifications, as issued by TAFE or any other training organisation, are assessed by competency. This means that if you are competent in all required aspects of the qualification, you are eligible for the qualification. When studying, competency might be assessed by exams (urgh, and no one ever does exams in the real world anyway), or assignments or projects. Sometimes this assessment is hypothetical (e.g. how might you keep track of customer orders if you worked in a florist), or sometimes real-world (write a procedure on keeping track of customer orders in your workplace).

With Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), the assessment is whatever you did last week, or last month. Instead of asking you to write a procedure, I assess a procedure you have already written. Instead of asking you about storing information, I look at how you actually store information. I won’t ask you about the theory of customer service, but will look at how you really serve customers.

In an assessment (which is a formal name for having a chat), I’m making a list of what you know how to do. I then figure out where I can match that to the requirements of a qualification. I have done this hundreds of times, so it’s easy for me.

For example, Sue mentioned that she has staff meetings with her team. I know that there is a unit (or module) called “Manage meetings”. I know that the requirements for this unit are to organise and chair a meeting, and be able to prepare an agenda and meeting minutes. I asked Sue about her staff meetings (which she chairs), and took away copies of an agenda and minutes as evidence. I know that this unit is one of eight units that make up the Diploma of Management, Diploma of Business, or Diploma of Business Administration. So then I follow the rules to find enough evidence for another seven units to make up the whole qualification. There a lot of electives, so I cut and paste from different places, finding how to match what you know to a qualification. Of course, if you don’t meet the requirements, you can’t be assessed as competent. However, most people who work on an office or customer service are able for at least a Certificate IV in Business by RPL. There is no need for you to learn all this, I do it for you.

The assessment for Recognition of Prior Learning is free. If you’re on the Sunshine Coast, I come to you at your work, or wherever you have access to your work. The whole process takes about an hour. If you’re further away, we can do the same thing over the phone and you email me your evidence. I complete all the paperwork for you. So long as you have all your evidence and payment, qualifications are usually delivered in about 10 days.

Mirror Professional Development is able to assess and issue the Certificate IV Frontline Management, Certificate IV in Business, Certificate IV Business Administration, Diploma of Management, Diploma of Business and Diploma of Business Administration. All these are fairly easy to assess by RPL, because people learn these skills on the job. It’s much harder to RPL hairdressing or carpentry, because you need to be taught specific skills before you start. In business, management, administration and customer service, you learn by doing it.

Recognition of prior learning really is quick and easy. Book your free RPL assessment now!

Phone Heidi on 0405 109 756, email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au or contact us.

“Your experience reflected in a qualification”

What to do next?

Has your job just been made redundant? People facing redundancy are often at a bit of a loss, and don’t know what to do next. When someone has been in a job or organisation for many years, they may be scared of change because they don’t know what to expect. People often fear what they don’t know. Feelings of rejection, betrayal, and insecurity are also common.

I have a different perspective though. My own position was made redundant just before I started Mirror Professional Development. I was thrilled! I desperately wanted to leave my job for a number of reasons, but also knew that redundancy might be an option. I was only holding on in the hope of a payout – which I got. I was then able to start my own business, doing exactly what I want to do. Because leaving a job you don’t like is scary, it seems easier to stay where you are. In these cases, having someone else make the decision for you is a blessing. I have met many many people who tell me that how much they dislike their job, but have been there for five or ten years (or more!) because they don’t know what else to do.

Of course, there are some people who really love their (now redundant) job. This is a shame. However, if you’re passionate, and good at what you do, another organisation will be lucky to have you. Unfortunately, in an industry where a lot of jobs have been lost, your former colleagues have now become your competition in applying for new jobs. You need to do everything you can to stand out from the rest.

So what are your options now? You may choose to study for a new career, start your own business with your expertise, take time off for travel or family, or just start looking for a new job. In all of these situations, it’s a really good idea to get everything you can from your old job before you leave. This includes getting recognised for your skills, experience and knowledge.

Get recognised

Recognition of pior learning is perfect for staff facing redundancy. You want to have as many options available to you as possible. If you have experience in administration or customer service, you’re probably eligible for a Certificate IV in Business right now, without studying. If you have been managing staff or systems, a Diploma of Business or Diploma of Management will be more appropriate.

Having a recognised qualification does many things. It shows that your skills are transferable across industries. It shows that you are motivated, and committed to self-development. It gives you credibility, to either new clients in your own business, or to a potential employer.

The key is to having your skills assessed before you leave your job. This is when you have access to the evidence required for RPL, such as samples of your work, client correspondence, internal training records, performance appraisals, etc. It is much more difficult to assess after you have left, which might mean that you have study instead.

What next?

Book in for a free RPL assessment with Mirror Professional Development before you finish work. This takes about an hour, and is all the time need to to gain your qualification. There absolutely no obligation for you to continue further. Once we have this evidence, we can even hold onto it until after you have received your redundancy payout.

Don’t wait. Get recognised, get qualified, get ahead.

To book, phone Heidi Gorell-Hay on 0405 109 756 or email heidi@mirrorprofessionaldevelopment.com.au

Big bowl of self-esteem

This week, I contacted my LinkedIn connections to see if I could help them or anyone they know with RPL. This is part of my message: “I specialise in matching people’s skills and experience with nationally accredited qualifications. This might help you or someone you know who is looking for a career change, promotion, or just to prove it to themselves.”I received very positive feedback, both from people who want a qualification themselves, and some who passed on the information to others.

However, I did receive one interesting comment, which got me thinking. I’ve shared it below (with permission from the author), in case anyone else has the same queries.

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for sending me this info. Good for you for being active in promoting your business. At present I don’t think that You can help me. I will keep this on the radar. I might trip over someone who could benefit from it.

As for me while I love education -growth and acquiring knowledge. Over the years I have invested a small fortune in my business education. It has been with people who achieved real world results, and I have never pursued formal education.

As for career prospects I am unemployable. By design and choice, I will always be a business owner. When I look at people as possible team members, I look at who they are, their character, their values, then their ability. Then I look at if I can put them where their gifts will shine.

The last thing I consider is a piece of paper that says they can do something. What I am most interested in is who they are, and what they can actually do.

In some cases the piece of paper tells me that they have disciple, ambition and focus. However it does not always mean they can deliver on the promise. Where as their values and character will always ring true. If they are the right person they will deliver.

I am not trying to rain on your parade, I am actually curious do business owners place value on prior recognition? or is it just me who is a rebel.

Anyway sorry to ramble on, despite my observations I wish your business well

Best Regards

Peter

——————–

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your email, I appreciate your interest. I agree with you that not everyone needs a formal qualification. Some people, like yourself, take pride in being successful without it, which is admirable.

However, I also meet many others with low self-esteem, or deem themselves to be ‘not good enough’. They see others around them who do have a qualification, and think they are worth less because they don’t. The process I use is essentially validation. I reflect back to them all the things they can do and are good at, and they get a piece of paper to prove it. Based on their new qualification, I have had previous clients now feel confident enough to ask for a raise, or start a new career. It’s not so much the piece of paper itself, as what it represents.

Additionally, showing recent education on a resume shows initiative and motivation. Consider the example of hiring an office manager. If two applicants have the same work history, but one has just completed a Diploma of Management, they are likely to be perceived (rightly or wrongly) as more ambitious, and willing to learn. A certificate states only that the student is competent, not the method of assessment.

I value your input, and this has been helpful for me in constructing an answer. Do you mind if I post this on my blog, without your name or details? (He said yes)

Thanks again,

Heidi

After this, Peter called me. He agreed that self-esteem is critically important, and saw how the RPL experience can be beneficial to an individual. A qualification isn’t as much about the piece of paper itself, as what it represents. It is official, documented proof, that you good enough. And that is priceless.