Credit for Prior Learning
A better understanding of progression through the ranks and military career paths leads to a clear understanding of the need and requirement for a robust credit for prior learning system. The system must acknowledge the work a military member puts into their career.
The Canadian Armed Forces recognizes that they need to do a better job of providing certifications that have civilian equivalencies for their members, given the potential effect on retention. Military-connected schools need to provide meaningful CPL that takes into consideration the transfer experience of military members coming into their schools.
Georgian College currently has three courses offered as prior learning recognition that are based on rank progression in the forces. This was developed by reviewing the learning outcomes of career courses taken at each rank and matching those learning outcomes to corresponding courses offered at the college.
Transfer Experience (TE)
The path moving forward for most military veterans coming into the college will be to utilize the transfer experience program to maximize what they’ve done in their career.
Why is this important?
It is important to understand that a military career includes a range of skills that are developed overtime and experience, military members are often thrown into circumstances, and it becomes sink or swim for that member. How they perform will not only dictate the outcome of the situation but also
Throughout this text, we have discussed the importance of colleges providing meaningful recognition for military service. There are additional reasons why Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and Transfer of Experience (TE) are crucial in post-secondary institutions. These reasons stem from programs available to military members, either when they are being medically released or have been released for a while and are exploring second careers.
When a member is medically releasing from the military, vocational training for a second career is covered for two years by Manulife. Members can request an extension to this timeframe, which will be determined by Manulife and Veterans Affairs Canada. While attending school, the member’s salary, benefits, tuition, books, and all other associated costs are covered at the post-secondary institution of their choice. Medically releasing members often face health issues that necessitate their release from the CAF. These medical issues can create barriers to starting post-secondary education. Reducing the number of courses per semester is often required to help these members succeed in their retraining and progression to their next career. However, reducing the number of courses per semester can prolong the length of study, creating financial implications. If the length of study is prolonged, the member may have to undertake some of that retraining on their own after the two-year window.
Medical Release
To understand more about the process for medical release please review the information on the Government of Canada website about medical release for Canadian Armed Forces members. This link explains in detail the three phases that a military member will go through when being medically released. During this medical release process, members will discuss second career options and training with Veterans Affairs Canada in conjunction with Manulife.
The release process from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a structured procedure that ensures a smooth transition for military personnel leaving active duty. The process begins with the member’s decision to release, which can be voluntary or due to medical, administrative, or compulsory reasons. Members must submit a formal notice of release, followed by a comprehensive review of their medical, dental, and personnel records. This review ensures that all necessary clearances and entitlements are addressed. Throughout the process, personnel are provided with transition services, including counseling and assistance with civilian career planning, to help them adjust to post-military life.
Once a member has been released from the CAF, they may be eligible for retraining programs funded by Manulife, the insurance company that administers the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) for the Canadian military. Manulife’s role in the retraining process is crucial, as it provides financial support for education and vocational training aimed at helping veterans develop new skills for civilian employment. Eligibility for these programs typically requires that the individual be medically released or meet other specific criteria established by the CAF and SISIP. The application process involves submitting relevant documentation and an assessment of the member’s needs and career aspirations, ensuring that the retraining aligns with their future goals.
Manulife’s administration of retraining benefits includes ongoing support throughout the education or vocational training period. This support covers tuition fees, textbooks, and other necessary expenses, allowing veterans to focus on their studies without financial stress. Additionally, Manulife offers career counseling and job placement services to enhance the chances of successful integration into the civilian workforce. The combined efforts of the CAF’s structured release process and Manulife’s comprehensive retraining support aim to ensure that veterans are well-prepared for their next career steps, promoting a smooth and effective transition from military to civilian life.
General Education Program Requirements and Military Training
The Ontario government states in the General Education program requirements policy that while the inclusion of General Education is locally determined, graduates of Ontario College Certificate programs should take courses that incorporate skills beyond their vocational field of study.
For programs leading to either an Ontario College Diploma or an Ontario College Advanced Diploma, graduates must have been engaged in learning that:
- exposes them to at least one discipline outside their main field of study
- increases their awareness of the society and culture where they live and work
This will typically be accomplished by students taking three to five courses offered and designed separately from their specific vocational learning courses.
A military career can incorporate professional development courses with a knowledge base outside of their trade. Below is a short list of professional development courses that can be taken:
- mental health awareness and sentinel training,
- Gender-based-analysis+ awareness training
- NATO cultural awareness
- UN cultural awareness
- Military law
- Ethics Awareness
- Creating a Respectful Workplace
- Victim Rights in Canada, etc.
Many of these previous learning experiences align naturally with General Education courses, and the provision of prior learning credit for military member helps to lighten course loads and encourage progression through a new academic program. For medically released or releasing CAF members, prior learning credit may allow the completion of more of their vocational training within the two years of supported retraining through the CAF, VAC, and Manulife programs.
As support continues to grow for military veterans and their families in post-secondary schools throughout Canada, it is important for those institutions offering services and support to keep an open mind when assessing prior learning recognition and transfer experience into programs. Military veterans offer a wide range of knowledge and experience which will only help enrich the programs and schools they attend.
Attribution
Except where otherwise noted, this page was created by Jason Kerr and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
