Presentation to Irish Hotel Federation

Michael Swan

What does APL mean?

Basic concept of APL:

- ‘Recognition of learning that has taken place, but not necessarily been assessed or measured prior to entering a programme. Such prior learning may have been acquired through formal, non formal or informal routes’ (NQAI).

- through a systematic and valid process of assessment, an individual’s skills and knowledge can be formally recognised and credited regardless of how, when or why they were obtained.

You could be more qualified than you think

You may have:

a wealth of knowledge

been employed for many years

received on-the-job training

taken some short training courses

overseas experience

employers references

other special achievements

select the qualification that matches your skillsassess yourself against recognised standards receive guidance on how to achieve the qualificationgo through the process at your own pace, place and timebe assessed by a trained assessor be recommended for accreditation

APL is not a course or training programme. It is a process that lets

you identify and build on your strengths.

You Can:

APL Craft and Advanced Levels

Waiter/WaitressWaiter/Waitress

ChefChef

Bar SupervisorBar Supervisor

Restaurant SupervisorRestaurant Supervisor

BartenderBartender

Accommodation AssistantAccommodation Assistant Accommodation SupervisorAccommodation Supervisor

CRAFTSkills Audit Checklist

CRAFTSkills Audit Checklist

ADVANCEDPortfolio of Evidence

ADVANCEDPortfolio of Evidence

Selection Criteria

• As Fáilte Ireland develop people for careers/jobs in the Tourism Industry, the main selection criteria include;

– Personality

– Appearance & hygiene

– A good level of understanding/spoken English

– Necessary Skills and Knowledge to Achieve Certification

How does it work at Craft Level?

• Application form is sent to APL section

• Invitation to open Day

• Candidate receives Skills Audit Checklist (SAC) which sets out Fáilte Ireland’s standards which must be met

• Mentor is appointed to guide candidate

• Candidate assesses own expertise against SAC

• Candidate improves their knowledge and skills

• Registered to join scheme and pay fee

• Audit Checklist Assessed

• Successful Candidates invited to a Practical and oral test in a Skills centre.

• If successful, awarded FETAC Craft Certificate

How does it work at Advanced Level?

• Application form is sent to APL section

• Invitation to open Day

• Candidate receives Course Syllabus which sets out Fáilte Ireland’s standards which must be met

• Mentor is appointed to guide candidate

• Candidate assesses own expertise against SAC

• Candidate improves their knowledge and skills

• Registered to join scheme and pay fee

• Finally Portfolio Assessed

• Successful Candidates interviewed and oral knowledge tested by APL Committee

• If successful, awarded FETAC Advanced Certificate

Craft: Skills and Knowledge Exam

Candidates will be judged on:

1. Personal Presentation

2. Communication Skills

3. Safety and Hygiene

4. Technical skills and knowledge

The test is administered by an assessor appointed by Fáilte Ireland in a setting which reflects, in so far as possible, a real work situation

Advanced: Portfolio of Evidence

• A well organised, easy to read portfolio which reflects what you know and what you can do

• Past and current job descriptions

• Examples of your work

– Menus, wine lists you compiled or worked with

– Costing and pricing of food and beverage items

– Staff rosters, work schedules

– In-house selling and promotions

• References

• Writing a personal report relating your experience to the qualification or course you have selected

Minimal Obstacles

Easy to complete paperwork

No written examination

Minimal cost to candidate and employer

Mentor support along the way

Benefits of Certification

How will you benefit?

Receive the identical qualification awarded to Fáilte Ireland’s third level graduates

Receive an award that is FETAC accredited

Recognised throughout the EU

Open doors to further qualifications

Enhance your career prospects

Conclusion

My Career is an Expression of Who I am

It is the link between what a person does and how that

person sees himself or herself …. in terms of one’s future

plans, one’s past accomplishments or failures,

and one’s present competences and attributes’

(Raynor and Entin, 1982)

Important Dates

• January 23rd - Information Day

• February 27th - Checklist & Portfolio’s Returned

• March 28th - Craft Skills Test

• Interviews Dates to be agreed For Advanced

• Graduation – April 2009