Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Initiative - Grants and Contributions

Program Description
How does it work?
Who can apply?
How do I apply?

Program Description

The research-based Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Initiative supports organizations in their endeavours to ensure comprehensive recognition of all learning, whether acquired formally in the classroom, non-informally in the workplace, or informally through life experience.  Through the PLAR Initiative, original approaches to recognizing learning are developed and tested, thus identifying better ways of helping individuals secure improved employment opportunities in the knowledge-based economy.

Successful projects from the 2003 PLAR Initiative Request for Proposals

In 2003, HRSDC launched a request for proposals to develop and test innovative approaches to recognizing learning in Canada. 

The following proposals have been selected for funding under the Initiative:

 Vancouver, BC

National Midwifery Assessment Strategy – College of Midwives of British Columbia.

The goal of this project is to research, develop, implement and evaluate a national assessment strategy for foreign-educated midwives to increase access to the profession in Canada.

  Athabasca, AB

Pan-Canadian Gateways: Accreditation & Recognition of Learning for Adult Practitioners in Human Services – Athabasca University

This research project will incorporate and demonstrate the value of PLAR as an integral part of post-secondary credential completion and outcomes-based employment eligibility in the Human Services sector. 

Designing a National Credit Review Service Pilot Project – Conference Board/Campus Canada.  

This project will design and implement a national credit review service to increase credit and credential recognition for individuals, stimulate employer investment in learning and engage the post-secondary education community more actively in learning recognition for the workplace. The pilot will create and test new ways of recognizing learning in order to reach Canadians who are not being served through existing systems.

  Winnipeg, MB

PLAR:  Workers in Transition – Centre for Education and Work. 

The goal of this three-year research project is to measure the long-term effects of PLAR as a labour market tool in assisting workers-in-transition in organizations and communities affected by economic downturn.

   Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON

Beyond PLAR: Creating a Hospitable, Learning-Friendly Environment for All Adult Learners – First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI). 

This developmental project will result in a research and evaluation plan for testing and implementing adult learning principles and processes in post-secondary institutions, industries, unions and community organizations.  The subsequent research could provide the framework for institutions to systematically assess their services for adult learners. 

   Cornwall, ON

PLAR Developmental Project for Unemployed/Underemployed Youth – T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative & Continuing Education. 

The goal of this developmental project is to draft a framework for research, which would focus on the use of PLAR processes to increase access to learning and labour force participation among unemployed and underemployed youth and young adults. 

Proposals are accepted through requests for proposals only.  There are no requests for research proposals planned at this time.

Financial Parameters

The PLAR initiative is a contribution program. Unlike grants, contributions are conditional transfer payments for a specified purpose, which are subject to being accounted for and audited pursuant to a contribution agreement.

The normal maximum amount of financial support per project is $300,000 per year for up to three years.

Funding will not be provided for regular and/or ongoing activities of the sponsoring organization or for activities that take place outside the project period.

Who can Apply?

• Organizations
• Public health and educational institutions
• Municipal governments and band/tribal councils
• Businesses
• Provincial government departments and agencies are eligible to receive funding and act as employers or coordinators of activities if specified in a federal-provincial/territorial agreement or Memorandum of Understanding, or specifically approved by the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada.

How to Apply?

Proposals are accepted through requests for proposals only.  There are no requests for research proposals planned at this time.

For more information, please contact us at the following address:

Director, Learning Strategies and Support
Learning and Literacy Directorate
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Fax: (819) 953-8147

You may also read the detailed Terms and Conditions for this program.