BCPLAN Symposium 2019

When
June 14, 2019
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Location
Kwantlen Polytechnic University 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond, BC

If you’re having difficulty finding the link to register for the BCPLAN Symposium & AGM 2019, then look no further. It’s right here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bc-plan-annual-symposium-agm-tickets-60212258486

PLAR: Rhetoric or Reality?

This year, the BC PLAN symposium takes a close look at the actual status of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in British Columbia. For many years the rhetoric has been that adults with formal, non-formal and informal learning may have their prior learning and experience assessed and recognized for advanced placement in post-secondary education programs or for securing employment particularly in regulated occupations.

Attend the symposium to find out if the BC reality of PLAR supports the rhetoric?

To register go to: https://bcplan.ca Anyquestions? info@bcplan.ca

9:00	Registration: Coffee, tea, juices,
9:30	The keynote presentation by Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice Chancellor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University will provide an educator’s perspective of how PLAR has evolved from early concepts to present practices. Dr. Davis will describe today’s reality in post-secondary education institutions and share his insight on likely trends for the future.
10:45	Refreshment break: Coffee, tea, juices
11:00	PLAR rhetoric for adults arriving in British Columbia seeking employment with their foreign qualifications and work experience in health care, education, applied science or engineering technology. The panelists will describe the reality of pathways to employment or to further education. Raj Brar, Manager of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Foreign Credential Recognition Loan project Jacqueline de Raadt, Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) will present the reality of people seeking careers in technology. Loir Woods, Douglas College, will present examples of pathways to various health professions that were recently developed by Laura Cullen, PICS / BCPLAN PLAR Navigator.
11:45	PLAR reality in BC post-secondary education institutions. The preliminary findings of a research project supported by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) will provide a snapshot of the PLAR reality in 2019. Susan Forseille, Director, PLAR, Thompson Rivers University Mikayla Overton, Research Assistant, Thompson Rivers University
12:30	Lunch is included in the event registration fee.
13:00	Innovative PLAR processes, sources and resources that work! Sangeeta Subramanian, Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) will present the IECBC – Facilitating Access to Skilled Talent (FAST) online tools to determine competencies for employment in various occupations. Charles Joyner, Registrar, ASTTBC will describe the latest developments in PLAR for technical occupations including transition from military to civilian careers.
14:30	Please stay a little longer to join us for the BC PLAN Annual General Meeting where Rhetoric meets Reality!

Speakers & Resources

Tannis Morgan, PhD

Associate Vice President, Academic Innovation | Vancouver Community College

A leader in educational innovation, Tannis advances flexible learning pathways, PLAR, microcredentials, and skills recognition.

AI in Practice | Lessons from a Post-Secondary Recognition Pilot

Drawing on VCC's AI-assisted recognition pilot, Tannis will share institutional insights into the opportunities, challenges, and practical considerations of integrating AI into prior learning recognition.

VCC Professional Profile: https://www.vcc.ca/president/our-team/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannis-morgan-9a49b622/
VCC Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR): https://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/student-records/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition-plar/

Alan Roberts

CEO & Co-Founder | InSite Information Systems Corp. (Shift iQ and SkillsCheck)

With over 25 years in education technology, Alan develops competency-based assessment solutions connecting demonstrated skills with occupational standards and workforce opportunities.

Beyond Assessment | Turning Skills Evidence into Learning Pathways

Explore how Shift iQ and SkillsCheck use competency frameworks, occupational standards, and AI-supported tools to identify skills gaps and guide learners toward targeted training and qualifications.

InSite Information Systems: https://insite.shiftiq.com/
SkillsCheck: https://getskillscheck.shiftiq.com/
Shift iQ: https://www.shiftiq.com/

Dennis Green

Founder & Principal Consultant | South Arm Training and Development

Drawing on extensive experience in industry, workforce development, and learning technologies, Dennis develops practical approaches to competency assessment and skills recognition.

From Concept to Application | Building AI-Powered Skills Recognition Tools

Dennis will introduce his evolving AI-powered web application designed to support skills assessment and PLAR, sharing insights into its development, capabilities, and real-world potential.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-green-2429354/
Open Competency Toolkit (co-authored by Dennis): https://www.saskoer.ca/competencytoolkit/
Toolkit Publication: https://openlibrary-repo.ecampusontario.ca/jspui/handle/123456789/884

BC Prior Learning Action Network

Email Address: info@bcplan.ca

Mailing Address: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5G 3H2