In South Africa, the Skills Development Act and the Department of Higher Education and Training have implemented several initiatives to enhance workforce skills, particularly in industries like the Personal Care Sector. One of these initiatives is the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL). This program, administered under the auspices of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), aims to formally recognize the skills and knowledge that artisans have acquired through informal learning experiences.
Let’s explore how ARPL works within the South African hair and beauty industry and its alignment with relevant legislative and educational frameworks.
What is ARPL?
Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) is a process that formally evaluates an individual’s existing skills, knowledge, and experience against specific industry standards. In the hair and beauty industry, this encompasses skills such as hairdressing, skincare, nail technology, and other cosmetology treatments. The aim is to recognise and certify these competencies without requiring individuals to complete traditional formal training programs.
Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) acknowledges that people continuously acquire knowledge and skills throughout their careers, both formally and informally. This process allows for the formal recognition of this learning in terms of registered qualifications and unit standards, irrespective of where or how the learning was obtained.
Legal and Institutional Framework and reasonabilities of role players:
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) plays a pivotal role in the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process. The QCTO is responsible for ensuring the quality and credibility of the ARPL assessments and certifications. This involves setting standards and guidelines for the evaluation of prior learning to ensure that it meets national and industry-specific benchmarks. Additionally, the QCTO oversees the accreditation of Trade Test Centres and assessors, ensuring they have the necessary qualifications and adhere to the required protocols. By maintaining rigorous quality assurance processes, the QCTO ensures that certifications awarded through ARPL are valid, reliable, and recognized across the industry, thereby upholding the integrity of the national skills development framework.
Skills Development Act
The Skills Development Act (No. 97 of 1998) aims to develop the skills of the South African workforce, improve employment prospects, and ensure the quality of education and training in the workplace. The Act emphasises the need for lifelong learning and the recognition of prior learning as key components of the national skills development strategy.
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa oversees the implementation of educational policies and frameworks that support ARPL. By providing guidelines and standards, the Department ensures that the recognition process is fair, transparent, and consistent across various industries, including hair and beauty.
Services SETA
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA) plays a crucial role in facilitating ARPL in the Personal Care Sector. Services SETA is responsible for developing qualifications and learning programs, accrediting training providers through the QCTO, and ensuring that the assessment and certification processes align with national standards.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s "Criteria and Guidelines for the Implementation of Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning" (Act No228, 17 March 2017), share several key responsibilities that are outlined to be met:
Section 8, page 12
8.1 The Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET) sets policies, criteria and guidelines regarding all ARPL practices.
82 The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) within this scope is responsible for quality assurance and artisan certifications.
8.3 An accredited Trade Test Centre will conduct the ARPL evaluation process from advisory to the consolidation of the Statement of Results (SoR) as per approved toolkit for the specific trades for which they are accredited, excluding any gap closure interventions.
8.4 Accredited Skills Development Providers (SDP) are responsible for the delivery of the gap closure interventions in terms of the knowledge and /or practical skills components as identified during the ARPL evaluation/assessment process, and such training records must be included in the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
8.5 The employer is responsible to provide on-the- job experiential training to an ARPL candidate to address the gaps in the workplace component as identified in ARPL evaluation process and provide the candidate with a record of trade (logbook) related duties performed, and must be included in the PoE.
8.6 The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB), with statutory functions and as an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) of the QCTO, is responsible for trade test related functions. In this instance NAMB is responsible for the development of ARPL Toolkits for all occupational trades and the general quality assurance function of all trade test practices.
8.7 All accredited Trade Test Centres (TTC) must accept ARPL applications and register qualifying candidates. Records of all admitted candidates must be kept and whenever required, provide such records for moderation by the NAMB.
The ARPL Process in the Hair and Beauty Industry
1. Application and Eligibility: Individuals with extensive experience in the hair and beauty industry can apply for ARPL through Services SETA. Applicants must submit evidence of their skills and experience, such as portfolios, references, and work samples. Prospective candidates must apply at an accredited Trade Test Centre relevant to their trade. The application process includes completing a standard form for statistical purposes. Candidates are then assessed for compliance with ARPL criteria and, if compliant, are assisted in compiling a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
2. Assessment: The assessment process involves evaluating the applicant’s skills against the relevant industry standards. This assessment can include practical demonstrations, theoretical tests, and interviews conducted by qualified assessors.
3. Gap Training: If there are gaps in the applicant’s knowledge or skills, they may be required to undergo additional training. Services SETA facilitates access to accredited training providers/trade test centres that offer tailored programs to bridge these gaps.
4. Certification: Upon successful assessment, the individual is awarded a formal qualification or certificate which recognises their prior learning. This certification is equivalent to qualifications obtained through traditional training programs and is recognised nationally within South Africa.
Benefits of ARPL for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, and Beauty Industry
For Employee’s
Career Advancement with formal recognition of skills can lead to better job opportunities, higher wages, and career progression.
Validation of Skills, where employees gain confidence and professional credibility through recognised certification.
For Employers
Skilled Workforce where Employers benefit from a more skilled and qualified workforce, which can enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.
Reduced Training Costs - Recognising prior learning can reduce the need for extensive training programs, saving time and resources.
For the Hair and Beauty Industry
Standardisation of the ARPL process promotes standardisation and consistency in skill levels across the industry.
Professional Development which encourages continuous professional development and lifelong learning among Hair and Beauty professionals.
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) in South Africa’s hair and beauty industry provides a structured and equitable way to recognise the skills and experience of professionals who have gained their expertise through informal means. Supported by the Skills Development Act, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and Services SETA, ARPL ensures that these individuals receive formal certification, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the overall development of the hair and beauty industry.
Through ARPL, the South African hair and beauty industry aims to uplift and formally recognise the valuable skills that many professionals have developed through years of experience, ensuring a brighter and more professional future for all stakeholders involved. By valuing and validating prior learning, ARPL plays a pivotal role in building a skilled, competent, and professional workforce in South Africa.
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