Recognizing Informal and Non-Formal Learning: Potential Advantages of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in Bulgarian VET

Abstract : Vocational education and training (VET) is a key factor in the development of human capital, competitiveness and social cohesion in modern society. VET provides an opportunity to acquire and update knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for successful implementation on the labor market and in life. VET also helps meet the needs of employers and the economy for a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the dynamic and complex challenges of technological and social change. In this context, one of the main objectives of VET is to ensure flexibility and transparency of educational pathways and to promote continuous lifelong learning. In the article, an adaptive flexible model working towards this goal is proposed, namely the development and implementation of an effective and fair system for recognizing and evaluating the person’s previous training, knowledge and skills, regardless of whether it is formal, informal or self-taught, i.e. called APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) system, which currently have no analogue in Bulgaria. The subject of this article are several modifications of the APL, applicable to the conditions of the Bulgarian VET. The article posits that APL is important and useful mechanism for modernization and improvement on the professional education and training in Bulgaria, which can contribute for increasing on competitiveness and employment on the working strength, as well as for development on economy and society. For realizing fully the benefits from APL, it is necessary to overcome the existing ones obstacles and to introduce suitable changes and innovations in the system on the professional education and training. APL as a process is a process through which a person’s prior learning is recognized and assessed, regardless of whether it is formal, informal or self-learning.